Five memorable Anfield encounters against Spanish opposition

Liverpool 1-1 Barcelona - April 14, 1976 

UEFA Cup semi-final, second leg 

Liverpool had made English football history in the first leg of this last-four UEFA Cup clash, becoming the nation’s first team to beat Barcelona at Camp Nou. It was John Toshack’s powerful 13th-minute effort that meant the Reds took a 1-0 advantage into the return leg.

A total of 55,104 supporters packed into Anfield to witness Liverpool lock horns with Johan Cruyff and co – and an electric atmosphere hit fever pitch when Phil Thompson’s close-range finish shortly after half-time extended the Reds’ aggregate advantage. Barcelona’s response was immediate, with the legendary Cruyff setting up Charly Rexach to make it 1-1 on the night.

Another strike from the visitors would have sent the Catalans through to the final on away goals, but there was to be no Barcelona onslaught. Instead, Bob Paisley’s irrepressible side steadfastly hunted another goal and, while it proved elusive, the draw was enough for the Reds to progress. Club Brugge were beaten in the final as Liverpool went on to win their second UEFA Cup title. 

Liverpool 1-0 Barcelona - April 19, 2001

UEFA Cup semi-final, second leg 

Barcelona again stood in the way of Liverpool reaching a UEFA Cup final in 2001, with this tie on a knife-edge following a goalless first leg at Camp Nou. The stage was set, then, for another dramatic Anfield occasion under the lights.