WHEN RED STAR HELPED LIVERPOOL MAKE THE GRADE

EUROPEAN CUP 1973: Last 16

Oct 24, 1973 Red Star Belgrade 2 Liverpool 1 Nov 6, 1973 Liverpool 1 Red Star Belgrade 2 (Red Star won 4-2 on aggregate)

This was the tie that changed Liverpool’s approach to Europe and laid the foundations for their domination later in the decade. Miljan Miljanic incorporated the ‘Total Football’ of Dutch coaching genius Rinus Michels, but added a greater emphasis on defending. Bill Shankly was left devastated by the defeats.

„He responded by introducing a more patient, passing style that focused on controlling games and, under Bob Paisley between 1977 and 1983, Liverpool lifted the European Cup three times.