Iconic images: A date with destiny in Dortmund
Throughout LFC's 125th anniversary year, Liverpoolfc.com will retrace the club's history through the striking images that plot a fascinating journey.
Seventeenth in the series is a photo that shows a team revelling in the completion of a remarkable accomplishment.
While the miraculous events that unfolded in Turkey four years later understandably dominate memories of Liverpool’s recent European history, what occurred in Dortmund on May 16, 2001, should never be overlooked.
“The treble is actually a better achievement than Istanbul. Istanbul as a one-off will never be beaten by anyone, but someone wins the Champions League every year,” Jamie Carragher, a key figure in both momentous triumphs, said in 2010.
“To win three cup competitions in one season - that’s not something that happens very often. Not just at Liverpool, but anywhere.”
‘What occurred in Dortmund on May 16, 2001’, refers, of course, to Liverpool winning the UEFA Cup.
It refers to Liverpool winning the UEFA Cup by beating Alaves 5-4 in extra-time, by virtue of a 117th-minute ‘golden goal’.
It refers to the third and final chapter of a unique story being written. It refers to Liverpool completing their treble of League Cup, FA Cup and UEFA Cup.
That Gerard Houllier’s men had penned part two of the tale just four days earlier - when Michael Owen’s late double turned a sun-drenched, energy-sapping FA Cup final against Arsenal on its head - makes their victory in Germany even more impressive.
This iconic image illustrates the moment the Reds got their hands on their third major trophy of the season.
Three days later, Houllier’s side faced their 63rd and final match of a marathon campaign.
Visiting Charlton Athletic, Liverpool knew they needed all three points to be certain of securing qualification for the 2001-02 Champions League.
They won 4-0.
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