OTD: Liverpool completed a cup treble in dramatic fashion 🏆
Liverpool's love affair with Europe has seen them lift six Champions League/European Cups, as well as three UEFA Cups.
On this day in 2001, in a near-prelude to Istanbul, they lifted the third of those trophies after the most dramatic of UEFA Cup finals.
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The Reds had enjoyed a resurgence under Gérard Houllier after a decade of decline, and a very talented side starring Michael Owen and Steven Gerrard among others, had already won both the League Cup and FA Cup in the 2000/01 season.
The fact that the first final went to penalties, and the second was christened "the Owen final" after his two late goals against Arsenal perhaps should have told us that it would not be plain sailing against Alavés.
Even after leading 2-0 and 3-1, the Spanish underdogs would not lie down, and eventually forced extra-time after former Manchester United man Jordi Cruyff made it 4-4 minutes from the final whistle.
Eventually, Houllier's men prevailed via an own goal/golden goal - the last of its kind in a European final - to end the long wait for continental silverware.
The treble was a first of its kind for any side and remains a season fondly remembered by those in red — for good reason.
📸 PATRICK HERTZOG
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