Liverpool's 1–0 win over Real Madrid secured their third European Cup and marked five consecutive European Cup victories by English clubs.
Key Facts
- Date
- 27 May 1981
- Venue
- Parc des Princes, Paris
- Attendance
- 48,360
- Winning goal scorer
- Alan Kennedy
- Liverpool European Cups
- 3rd title
- Bob Paisley achievement
- First manager to win European Cup three times
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Liverpool and Real Madrid each progressed through four rounds of the 1980–81 European Cup. Liverpool navigated difficult ties, including a victory over Bayern Munich on away goals, while Real Madrid reached the final having won the competition six times previously and appearing in their ninth final overall.
The final was played on 27 May 1981 at the Parc des Princes before 48,360 spectators. After a goalless first half, Alan Kennedy scored the only goal of the match in the second half, giving Liverpool a 1–0 victory over Real Madrid.
Liverpool claimed their third European Cup title, and manager Bob Paisley became the first person to win the competition three times as a manager. The result extended English clubs' consecutive European Cup victories to five. As of 2024, the match remains Real Madrid's last defeat in a European Cup or UEFA Champions League final.