Liverpool have reached their first European final in 16 years, after clinging on to beat Barcelona 1-0 in the UEFA Cup semi-final, second leg at Anfield. Veteran Gary McAllister scored the winner with a penalty just 72 seconds before the half-time whistle, after Patrick Kluivert foolishly handled the ball. McAllister praised the Liverpool defence for containing the Spanish threat. "We played against the very best in the world tonight, and they didn't have many chances," said the 36-year-old former Scottish international.
Liverpool boss Houllier agreed with McAllister, singling out Stephane Henchoz and Sami Hyypia for special praise. "They are a great side and can make a difference with individual pieces of brilliance but over the two legs we have defended so well," said Houllier.
Barcelona completely dominated the second half, and Liverpool had to resist constant pressure. Westerveld, who had fluffed a couple of kicked clearances, nearly gifted Barcelona an equaliser after 56 minutes. He sprinted to the edge of his box to try and boot the ball away from Kluivert, who had been put clear by Petit. The Dutch keeper missed his kick completely, only to see the ball run out of play before the striker could catch it. Gerrard almost got a second Liverpool goal after 65 minutes, when Dietmar Hamann's instant pass sent him away on the right. The young England star drilled a low shot inches wide of the far post.
The pressure continued to mount on Liverpool and Kluivert saw his flicked header go just over from Pedro's cross before the visitors threw on another attacker, Dani Garcia. The substitute replaced Overmars, who had been well contained by Markus Babbel. Danny Murphy came on for a tiring Gerrard, who had only been passed fit just before the start. Robbie Fowler replaced Smicer with ten minutes to go. Heskey tried a instinctive flick at a Hamann drive on 83 minutes but the ball sailed wide. Liverpool were clinging on as the seconds ticked away, but they managed to hold on to qualify for their first final since 1985.
The Merseysiders are on course for a unique treble. They have already won the League Cup and will meet Arsenal in the FA Cup Final on May 12. Four days later, they will travel to the UEFA Cup Final in Dortmund to meet Alaves, who beat Kaiserslautern 4 – 1 this evening, winning by an impressive 9-2 on aggregate.
Filed by Greg McKevitt
