FeatureFive memorable Anfield encounters against Spanish opposition

Liverpool 1-1 Barcelona - April 14, 1976

UEFA Cup semi-final, second leg

Liverpool had made English football history in the first leg of this last-four UEFA Cup clash, becoming the nation’s first team to beat Barcelona at Camp Nou. It was John Toshack’s powerful 13th-minute effort that meant the Reds took a 1-0 advantage into the return leg.

A total of 55,104 supporters packed into Anfield to witness Liverpool lock horns with Johan Cruyff and co – and an electric atmosphere hit fever pitch when Phil Thompson’s close-range finish shortly after half-time extended the Reds’ aggregate advantage. Barcelona’s response was immediate, with the legendary Cruyff setting up Charly Rexach to make it 1-1 on the night.

Another strike from the visitors would have sent the Catalans through to the final on away goals, but there was to be no Barcelona onslaught. Instead, Bob Paisley’s irrepressible side steadfastly hunted another goal and, while it proved elusive, the draw was enough for the Reds to progress. Club Brugge were beaten in the final as Liverpool went on to win their second UEFA Cup title.

Liverpool 1-0 Barcelona - April 19, 2001

UEFA Cup semi-final, second leg

Barcelona again stood in the way of Liverpool reaching a UEFA Cup final in 2001, with this tie on a knife-edge following a goalless first leg at Camp Nou. The stage was set, then, for another dramatic Anfield occasion under the lights.

The game’s decisive moment came on the stroke of half-time when the Reds were awarded a penalty following a Patrick Kluivert handball. Gary McAllister nervelessly fired in from 12 yards to give Liverpool the lead and send the crowd into raptures.

The next 45 minutes were played out in almost unbearable tension, as a Barça side featuring the likes of Rivaldo, Pep Guardiola and Marc Overmars chased a leveller. Gerard Houllier’s men defended with typical courage and resilience to see out the victory and book a spot in the final against Alaves.

The Reds, of course, would triumph in extraordinary circumstances in the Dortmund showpiece, edging a thrilling contest 5-4 after extra-time.

Liverpool 4-0 Real Madrid - March 10, 2009

Champions League round of 16, second leg

Real Madrid were overwhelmed by a devastating display from Rafael Benitez’s Liverpool in this last-16 showdown. The Reds held a one-goal advantage from the first leg but against opponents of Real’s pedigree, most observers agreed the tie was still very much in the balance.

Fernando Torres’ early strike set Liverpool on their way, though, and Steven Gerrard’s penalty made it 2-0 midway through the first half. A sweet Gerrard volley shortly after the break ended the game as a contest and Andrea Dossena’s late effort completed a famous win at a buoyant Anfield.

Liverpool 3-0 Villarreal - May 5, 2016

Europa League semi-final, second leg

One goal down from the away leg and faced with a classy, well-drilled opponent, Liverpool had it all do when the Yellow Submarine rocked up at Anfield. The Reds performed with relentless energy, purpose and hunger from the first minute, however, and got off to a dream start when Villarreal defender Bruno Soriano put into his own goal.

Daniel Sturridge’s clinical finish just after the hour gave Liverpool the aggregate advantage before Adam Lallana’s clever flick put the result beyond doubt. Jürgen Klopp’s side were edged out by Sevilla in the Basel final, but this Europa League campaign would prove to be a springboard for a period of sustained success for the Reds on the domestic and European stage.

Liverpool 4-0 Barcelona - May 7, 2019

Champions League semi-final, second leg

On perhaps Anfield’s greatest ever night, Liverpool overturned a 3-0 first-leg deficit to record one of the most spectacular comebacks in European football history.

A Lionel Messi-inspired Barça appeared to have put the tie out of reach at Camp Nou but the Reds were unbowed, and went on to deliver an awesome display of fighting spirit, resolve and exhilarating attacking football to stun the Catalans in L4. With talismanic attacking duo Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino sidelined through injury, Divock Origi stepped up to the mark and gave the Reds hope with a seventh-minute opener.

The teams traded chances in a captivating first half but it took until the 54th minute before Liverpool struck again, Georginio Wijnaldum drilling a shot through visiting goalkeeper Marc-Andre Ter Stegen to put the Reds on track for a most improbable comeback.

Roared on by a deafening Anfield atmosphere, Liverpool soon had their third of the night when Wijnaldum powered home a header. The decisive fourth goal saw Trent Alexander-Arnold blend ingenuity with impeccable technique.

The right-back’s quickly-taken corner fell perfectly to Origi, who expertly swept a first-time finish beyond Ter Stegen. The Anfield miracle was complete and Liverpool went on to finish the job in the Madrid final, beating Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 to win a sixth European Cup.