Iconic images: Reds conquer Europe for the first time
Throughout LFC's 125th anniversary year, Liverpoolfc.com will retrace the club's history through the striking images that plot a fascinating journey.
Eighth in the series is a photograph that captures the jubilation and pride of the men who had just made the Reds champions of Europe for the very first time.
By the time the 1977 European Cup final came around, Liverpool were, by any measure, one of the best teams in Europe.
In the five-season period since the beginning of 1972-73, the Reds had won two UEFA Cups, three league titles and an FA Cup.
Bob Paisley’s side travelled to Rome in May 1977 having retained their domestic crown before losing narrowly to Manchester United in the FA Cup final.
But, just four days after that heart-wrenching reverse at Wembley, Paisley and his players immortalised themselves in the history of Liverpool Football Club.
By the time the final whistle blew at the Stadio Olimpico, they were officially the best team in Europe.
Just as they had been in the 1973 UEFA Cup final, Borussia Monchengladbach were defeated.
Goals from Terry McDermott and Tommy Smith sandwiched Allan Simonsen’s equaliser for the formidable German outfit, before Phil Neal sealed the Reds’ victory with a late penalty.
The image above shows, from left to right, Steve Heighway, Joey Jones, Ray Kennedy, Emlyn Hughes, McDermott, Jimmy Case, Neal and Ray Clemence gleefully parading ‘Ol' Big Ears’ to the legions of Liverpudlians who had made the journey to Italy.
For the first - but certainly not the last - time, Liverpool Football Club were the champions of Europe.
Click 'next' to continue the journey...