European Royalty #4 - Rome 84

Back where it all began. A familiar setting with a familiar friend, good ol' Mr Big Ears himself.

Although familiar, we were up against a team with home advantage.

The Reds arrived having already secured the league and league cup. An unprecedented treble was up for grabs.

The Reds marched into the Stadio Olimipico, a hostile environment, a kin to the colosseums of days gone. The gladiators ready for battle.

After just 13 minutes Liverpool took the lead as Phil Neal pounced on a mistake by the Roma goalkeeper.

Liverpool held on resolutely and even had chances to extend their lead. However Pruzzo equalised for the Italians just before halftime. A bitter blow for the boys in red.

Roma started the second half the better but could not break down a resilient Liverpool side. As the half wore on Liverpool had some chances of their own but neither side could take the initiative.

Extra time came and went and the drama really started. A penalty shootout to win the biggest prize in football.

Nicol misses. The worst possible start. If the home team had an advantage before, they must now have felt they had one hand on the cup.

Roma scored to take the lead. Neal scored his as per and then Conti did the same as Nicol and clear the frame with his effort.

Everyone continued to score until Graziani placed the ball. Grobbelaar then went full Bruce. We can all see the image, the spaghetti legs. "What is he doing? He's winning us the European cup is what he's doing."

Graziani blazed his over the bar. It worked. Kennedy stepped up and slotted the final kick. Liverpool were the champions of Europe for a fourth time.

Fagans reds had left Rome in ruins.

50MM Enamel Pin.

Double Clutch on the reverse.

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