Liverpool are strong favourites to win the Europa League and they could secure qualification to the next stage tomorrow evening if they beat Toulouse.
Have Liverpool Ever Won The Europa League?
Liverpool haven’t won the Europa League since it had a name change in 2009. But back when it was simply called the UEFA Cup, Liverpool had won it three times.
The first came in 1973. This was when finals were two-legged. The first leg at Anfield welcomed German side Borussia Monchengladbach. Liverpool were 3-0 winners in that game thank to a brace from Kevin Keegan and a goal from Larry Lloyd.
In the return leg, Liverpool were beaten 2-0 but were victorious on aggregate. This was the Reds’ first European trophy.
Liverpool then won it a second time in 1976. They faced Club Brugge in the final where Keegan was at the heart of the goals once again. He scored a penalty in the first leg at Anfield which completed a 3-2 comeback for Liverpool. He then netted in the reverse fixture that ended up finishing 1-1, meaning Liverpool were champions once again on a 4-3 aggregate score.
They’d have to wait 25 years before they lifted the UEFA Cup once more but in 2001 they managed it for the third time. No two-legged tie this time as they were abolished in 1990.
Liverpool met Spanish side Alaves in the final that was played in Dortmund at the Westfalenstadion. Markus Babbel put the Reds 1-0 up inside four minutes. Steven Gerrard then doubled their lead to give Liverpool control. Alaves pulled one back before Gary Mcallister put Liverpool 3-1 up going into half-time.
Javi Moreno stunned Liverpool as he found the net twice to level the match. Robbie Fowler thought he had spared Liverpool’s blushes late on but Alaves equalised once more sending the match to extra-time. They had the golden goal rule active for this game meaning if either side scored before the 120th minute then the game would come to a halt. Next goal wins, if you like. Alaves’ Delfi Geli headed into his own net to bring despair to the Spanish side but glory to Liverpool.
When was the last time Liverpool were in the Europa League?
We’ve always known Liverpool have done well in Europe and the last time they were in the Europa League is no exception. The last time was in the 2015/16 season which was Jurgen Klopp’s first season in charge after replacing Brendan Rogers.
Klopp led them all the way to the final after a famous win against Borussia Dortmund which saw Liverpool overcome a 4-2 aggregate scoreline.
Liverpool were 45 minutes away from lifting the Europa League trophy for the fourth time after Daniel Sturridge had put them 1-0 up in the final against Sevilla. But in the second half Sevilla proved why they’re the kings of the Europa League and dismantled Liverpool in a 3-1 victory.
Klopp will be hoping to settle the score that night and go forth and win the tournament this time round. It’s one of the few trophies he hasn’t won with Liverpool (the other being the Europa Conference League but I’m sure he can stand not winning that one).
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