Liverpool's 3–1 victory over Borussia Mönchengladbach secured the club's first European Cup title and made Bob Paisley the first manager to win the UEFA Cup and European Cup in successive seasons.
Key Facts
- Final score
- Liverpool 3–1 Borussia Mönchengladbach
- Attendance
- 52,078 spectators
- Venue
- Stadio Olimpico, Rome
- Liverpool's first European Cup
- Yes — first title for the club
- Goalscorers
- McDermott, Smith, Neal (pen); Simonsen
- Previous meeting
- 1973 UEFA Cup final, Liverpool won 3–2 agg.
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Liverpool and Borussia Mönchengladbach each progressed through four two-legged rounds of the 1976–77 European Cup. Liverpool overcame Saint-Étienne by a single goal and thrashed FC Zürich 6–1 on aggregate in the semi-finals, while Mönchengladbach advanced through consistently narrow margins to meet Liverpool in both sides' first European Cup final.
Played on 25 May 1977 at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome before 52,078 spectators, Liverpool took an early lead through Terry McDermott. Allan Simonsen equalised for Mönchengladbach early in the second half, but Tommy Smith headed Liverpool back in front midway through the half. Phil Neal then converted a penalty to seal a 3–1 Liverpool victory.
The result gave Liverpool their first European Cup title. Manager Bob Paisley became the first in history to win the UEFA Cup and European Cup in consecutive seasons, having led Liverpool to the UEFA Cup in 1976. The victory established Liverpool as a major force in European football and set the stage for further continental success.