FeatureOn this day: Reds record memorable UEFA Cup victory at Roma
Liverpool recorded a memorable 2-0 UEFA Cup success away at AS Roma on this day in 2001.
In being paired with the Italian giants, the Reds were given one of the toughest last-16 draws possible on their journey to an eventual treble of cup triumphs that season.
Roma boss Fabio Capello had assembled a formidable squad, boasting world-class talents such as Gabriel Batistuta, Cafu and Walter Samuel. They would go on to win the club’s first Serie A title in 18 years, but their hopes of a domestic and European double were dashed by Gerard Houllier’s fearless team.
Faced with a cacophonous atmosphere at Stadio Olimpico – the scene of Liverpool’s 1984 European Cup final win over Roma – Liverpool stood tall to deliver a performance rich in quality, courage and defiance.
Houllier’s charges took the sting out of the game during a goalless first half, keeping the hosts’ dynamic forwards at arm’s length and retaining possession with precision and poise.
Having contained Roma in the opening 45 minutes, the Reds’ attacking potency then came to the fore after the half-time break.
They tore out of the blocks and had the lead just 37 seconds into the second period. Michael Owen made the breakthrough, seizing on a loose pass from Roma defender Alessandro Rinaldi before clinically shooting into the bottom corner.
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Taking a 1-0 lead into the Anfield second leg would have represented a fine result, but Liverpool turned a good night into a great one with a second goal on 71 minutes.
Christian Ziege was the creator, sending in a teasing cross that Owen deftly headed past goalkeeper Francesco Antonioli to send the travelling Reds into raptures.
Roma hunted a way back into the tie in the game’s final stages but Liverpool held firm to secure a famous win.
"The whole team was superb," beamed Houllier post-match. "I was worried because we had players missing and others cup-tied, while there were several playing who were only just back from injury.
"But Michael’s goals gave us confidence and the defence was outstanding."
The second leg was a nervier affair, with Owen missing a penalty on the hour mark and Roma midfielder Guigou scoring 10 minutes later to put the tie on a knife-edge.
The Reds then had a huge scare when referee Jose María Garcia-Aranda awarded the visitors a late penalty on 77 minutes, only for the official to change his mind.
Roared on by a feverish Anfield crowd, Liverpool went on to successfully see out a 2-1 aggregate victory and take a significant step on their path to UEFA Cup glory.
This article has been automatically translated and, while all reasonable efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, some errors in translation are possible. Please refer to the original English-language version of the article for the official version.