Liverpool F.C and European Football go hand-in-hand. From Shankly’s first Uefa Cup win up to that night in Istanbul we’ve had some amazing matches with some of the best atmosphere’s experienced in any football ground around the world.
Liverpool F.C’s Official Facebook Page asked fans what their favourite final of all time was and the people voted for Istanbul. Now for me that’s not a true representation of Liverpool supporters, after all some simple demographic research would suggest a large percentage of Facebook’s users were not born before we won the European Cup in 1984, meaning their fondest memory is naturally going to be Istanbul.
For me Rome in 84 was our greatest final. One of the best Liverpool teams of all-time walked out in Rome and beat Roma in their own backyard. Not only that but winning the European Cup meant more then, you only played Champions, not second, third and fourth place teams. It was also straight knockouts which meant a bad night wasn’t an option as it is in today’s group stages.
Don’t get me wrong, I loved Istanbul, I was even in the Attaturk that night, I just don’t think it’s our great European Cup final.
Now, my question for Empire of the Kop readers is what is your favourite European night that isn’t a final? Forget about that night in Rome or Dortmund in 2001 I want people to think back to their favourite Semi-Finals, Quarter-Finals, Knockout fixtures and group games. It may have been the night the standing Kop was rocking against St. Etienne or it may be the game in which Gerrard scored that goal against Olympiacos. It may even be a group game against Chelsea I want to know what your favourite group game was by posting them in the comments section.
For me it has to be St. Etienne, the late Fairclough goal and the Standing Kop rocking to ‘We shall not be moved’ what a night that was.
So, go ahead battle it out in the comments section.
M.Owen
michael@empireofthekop.com