European Cup memoriesKing Kenny makes it two in two for Bob Paisley's men
European Cup glory had finally been tasted and there was no going back for Liverpool.
The Reds had hauled the trophy aloft for the first time in the club’s history in 1977 and 12 months later they found themselves back in the showpiece event.
Bob Paisley’s men were looking to defend their title and become the first British team to win back-to-back European Cups since the competition’s formation.
The opposition standing in the way came in the form of Belgian outfit Club Brugge – who had met Liverpool in the UEFA Cup final two years prior – at Wembley.
More than 90,000 people packed into England’s national stadium to witness history and see the Reds lift their second European Cup in as many years.
Kings of Europe: Wembley '78
Liverpool’s front line had taken on a different look with the signing of new No.7 Kenny Dalglish to replace Kevin Keegan.
The Scot adapted to life on Merseyside quickly from Celtic, notching 31 goals in 62 games in his debut campaign south of the border.
His most important of those came in London against Club Brugge as he secured a 1-0 win for the Reds in a tight affair thanks to a moment of magic.
The holders dominated the game but came up against Belgian goalkeeper Birger Jensen in fine form between the sticks.
Dalglish finally found a way past Jensen in the 64th minute, though, producing a clever finish from a Graeme Souness pass to spark wild celebrations in what was a mostly Liverpool-supporting crowd.
At the other end, a vital Phil Thompson clearance off the line in the latter stages was required due to a defensive mix-up at the back.
The trophy nevertheless would return once again to Anfield with King Kenny’s goal enough to earn victory.
“All we can do is win it again,” Paisley had proclaimed 12 months earlier, and Liverpool had done exactly that.
Team
Ray Clemence, Phil Neal, Phil Thompson, Alan Hansen, Ray Kennedy, Emlyn Hughes, Kenny Dalglish, Jimmy Case (Steve Heighway, 64), David Fairclough, Terry McDermott, Graeme Souness.
Route to the final
First round: Bye
Second round: Liverpool 6-3 (agg) Dynamo Dresden
Quarter-final: Liverpool 6-2 (agg) Benfica
Semi-final: Liverpool 4-2 (agg) Borussia Monchengladbach
European Cup top scorers
Jimmy Case – 4
Kenny Dalglish – 3
Ray Kennedy, Phil Neal – 2
Ian Callaghan, Alan Hansen, Steve Heighway, Emlyn Hughes, David Johnson, Terry McDermott – 1
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