May 16, 2001 - Westfalenstadion: Liverpool 5-4 Alaves

The Reds were favourites in Dortmund as they were pitted against shock finalists Alaves, but the spectators inside the Westfalenstadion witnessed one of the best European finals ever played.

Goals from Markus Babbel and Steven Gerrard saw Liverpool race into a 2-0 lead after 16 minutes. However, there was still to be many twists and turns throughout the night.

Ivan Alonso pulled one back before 36-year-old Gary McAllister converted from the penalty spot to restore a two-goal advantage.

But following the break, Javi Moreno pounced twice in quick succession to draw the tiny Basque outfit level.

It seemed as if Liverpool were finally back on track when Robbie Fowler netted in the 72nd minute, but Jordi Cruyff - son of Johan - equalised with two minutes left on the clock to force extra-time.

The further half-hour was just as frantic as the 90 minutes that had preceded it.

Both teams had strikes chalked off for offside and Alaves were reduced to nine men, having seen two players dismissed in extra-time.

With Golden Goal in play, an own goal settled the contest as Delfi Geli put into his own net from McAllister's free-kick just four minutes before a penalty shootout would have been called upon.

Houllier said afterwards. "When you play in a European final, you are looking for immortality.

"People remember who was playing and when you look at programmes from finals you just recall the facts of the game.

"These boys have produced a game which will be remembered for a long time - and that is thanks to Alaves too."