Intercontinental /Toyota Cup-Part Six (1985, Juventus vs. Argentinos Juniors)

The 1985 Edition of the Intercontinental Cup was the sixth in Tokyo.

The participating teams were Italy’s Juventus and Argentina’s Argentinos Juniors.

Juventus had won the Champions Cup by defeating Liverpool (1-0) on May 29^th, 1985 at Brussels. Unfortunately, this victory was tarnished due to the Heysel Tragedy that had claimed the lives of scores of their fans.

Photo From: Toyota Cup 1985 Programme

(Match Programme, December 8, 1985, Intercontinental Cup, Juventus 2-Argentinos Juniors 2)

Argentinos Juniors had won the Copa Libertadoes just couple of months before in October. They had defeated Colombia’s Amercia Cali. They had lost the first leg (0-1) on October 17^th, 1985 (1-0) and won the second leg by the same score on October 22^nd.

This necessitated a play-off in Asuncion, Paraguay, two days later on October 24^th. That match ended in a (1-1) tie and finally a penalty kick shoot-out was necessary to determine the winner and Argentinos Juniors won on (5-4) in the shoot-out.

Jose Antonio Yudica’s Argentinos Juniors had little history and were mostly known as Diego Maradona’s first club prior to their Copa Libertadores adventure. The side included 1978 World Cup Champion Jorge Olguin in defense as well as Daniel Batista who in turn would also become a World Cup Champion the following June.

However, the star of the side was the talented Claudio Borghi. Many were not only tipping him for a transfer abroad but also as a future star in the upcoming World Cup in Mexico.

Photo From: Onze Onze, Issue 125, May 1986

(Claudio Borghi, December 8, 1985, Intercontinental Cup, Juventus 2-Argentinos Juniors 2)

Photo From: El Grafico, Issue 3453, 1985

(December 8, 1985, Intercontinental Cup, Juventus 2-Argentinos Juniors 2)

Photo From: El Grafico, Issue 3453, 1985

(Claudio Borghi and Miche Platini, December 8, 1985, Intercontinental Cup, Juventus 2-Argentinos Juniors 2)

Giovanni Trapattoni’s Juventus were an experienced side led by the reigning double (soon a third) Ballon d’Or winner, the Frenchman Michel Platini.

The other experienced players included Gaetano Scirea, Antonio Cabrini (both 1982 World Cup winners), Sergio Brio and Massimo Bonini.

They were complemented with the youth of the front line of Aldo Serena and Danish star Michael Laudrup.

Photo From: Onze, Issue 121,  January 1986

(Juventus squad with the flag of Japan, December 8, 1985, Intercontinental Cup, Juventus 2-Argentinos Juniors 2)

Photo From: World Soccer, January 1986

(Michel Platini, December 8, 1985, Intercontinental Cup, Juventus 2-Argentinos Juniors 2)

Photo From: Mondial, new series, issue 70, December 1985

(Michel Platini, December 8, 1985, Intercontinental Cup, Juventus 2-Argentinos Juniors 2)

It was said that the local organizers were somewhat dismayed with Juventus’ participation. One reason was the lingering negative memory of Heysel. The other reason was Juventus’ affiliation with Fiat cars (owned by the Agnelli family).

The thought that a Juventus player could be chosen as the player of the match was rather awkward, as the player would win a Toyota car.

Photo From: Guerin Sportivo, Issue 570 (Number 50), December 11-17, 1985

(Michel Platini, December 8, 1985, Intercontinental Cup, Juventus 2-Argentinos Juniors 2)

Juventus had taken preparations seriously by arriving in Tokyo on the Tuesday, December 3^rd.

It must be remembered this trophy was the only one missing in Juventus’ cabinet.

The previous encounters in Tokyo had been mostly defensive and low scoring affairs. This match would turn out to be a much more exciting and talked about match mostly due to the performance of Singapore Linesman Sebastian Yap Bonn Yong (more on that later…)

The match would be played on a soft pitch as it had rained in the previous day.

Argentinos Juniors had declared their intent to play an attacking match and would be more inspired in the first half. Juventus had difficulty to cope with the speed of Castro and Ereros upfront.

Photo From: El Grafico, Issue 3453, 1985

(December 8, 1985, Intercontinental Cup, Juventus 2-Argentinos Juniors 2)

Photo From: El Grafico, Issue 3453, 1985

(December 8, 1985, Intercontinental Cup, Juventus 2-Argentinos Juniors 2)

Juventus did however have a penalty claim waved off after a foul on Laudrup.

Juventus would improve in the second half, as would the match itself. Early on in the half, Laudrup would score but would be waved offside by the Singapore linesman Yap Bonn Yong (more to follow…)

Photo From: Onze, Issue 121,  January 1986

(Juventus players protesting to match referee Roth, December 8, 1985, Intercontinental Cup, Juventus 2-Argentinos Juniors 2)

Photo From: France Football, Issue 2070, December 10, 1985

(Pavoni and Aldo Serena, December 8, 1985, Intercontinental Cup, Juventus 2-Argentinos Juniors 2)

The South Americans Champions would start the scoring in the 55^th minute. From the middle, Videla lobbed a ball to Ereros who in turn lobbed over the advancing Tacconi.

Seven minutes later, Argentinos Juniors scored through Castro but once more Linesman Yap Bonn Yong waved offside.

A minute later, Juventus tied the score through a Michel Platini penalty kick (after Olguin had fouled Serena in the box).

A minute later Juventus would lose Captain Scirea through injury. He would be replaced by Stefano Pioli (the current AC Milan Manager). Luciano Favero would move to cover Scirea’s position.

Five minutes later, Platini scored what would have been the best goal of the match and certainly one of his most memorable ones.

He controlled a pass with his right foot and with his left foot volleyed past Vidallé. However, once more Yap Bonn Yong waved offside.

In the 75^th minute, Argentinos Juniors would take the lead. From the middle, Borghi sent a through ball on the right side to Castro who lobbed over Tacconi from a narrow angle.

Juventus would tie the match in the 82^nd minute. Massimo Bonini gained possession and passed to Laudrup in the middle, the Dane did a one-two combination with Platini, who chipped the wall over the Argentine defense to the onrushing Laudrup who went around Vidallé and scored from a closed angle. It was certainly the goal of the match (…if not for Platini’s ruled out effort).

Photo From: Onze, Issue 121,  January 1986

(Michael Laudrup scoring, December 8, 1985, Intercontinental Cup, Juventus 2-Argentinos Juniors 2)

Photo From: Guerin Sportivo, Issue 570 (Number 50), December 11-17, 1985

(Michael Laudrup scoring, December 8, 1985, Intercontinental Cup, Juventus 2-Argentinos Juniors 2)

Photo From: Mondial, new series, issue 70, December 1985

(Michael Laudrup scoring, December 8, 1985, Intercontinental Cup, Juventus 2-Argentinos Juniors 2)

The match went into extra time but neither side was able to score again.

For the first since the Tournament’s move to Tokyo, the match would be decided in a penalty kick shoot-out.

Juventus would be victorious (4-2) in the shoot-out with Batista and Pavoni missing their attempts. Platini scored Juventus' decisive winner to cap off a memorable night for him and his team.

Photo From: Onze, Issue 121,  January 1986

(Michel Platini scoring from the spot, December 8, 1985, Intercontinental Cup, Juventus 2-Argentinos Juniors 2)

Photo From: Guerin Sportivo, Issue 570 (Number 50), December 11-17, 1985

(Platini scoring the decisive penalty kick, December 8, 1985, Intercontinental Cup, Juventus 2-Argentinos Juniors 2)

Juventus goalkeeper Stefano Tacconi would credit Juventus Assistant Manager Romolo Bizzotto for his shoot-out heroics. Bizzotto had observed Argentinos Juniors penalty kicks in previous matches and it had been decided to dive mostly to the right on their attempts.

In victory, Juventus became the first European team to win every possible trophy (domestic and European).

Juventus duo Scirea and Cabrini became the first Italian players to have won every possible trophy at club-level.

Juventus’ win was not only the first European win in Tokyo but also the first European winner over-all since Bayern Munich winning in 1976.

This Final was regarded as the best Final at its Tokyo home, though Singapore Linesman Sebastian Yap Bonn Yong took the brunt of the criticisms after waving so many offside decisions.

Photo From: Onze, Issue 121,  January 1986

(December 8, 1985, Intercontinental Cup, Juventus 2-Argentinos Juniors 2)

Photo From: Onze, Issue 121,  January 1986

(December 8, 1985, Intercontinental Cup, Juventus 2-Argentinos Juniors 2)

Juventus’ Massimo Bonini praised the team’s fighting spirit, saying, “it shows quite a bit of character to come back twice like that”.

Juventus President Giampiero Boniperti stated, “We beat all the odds…the travel, the pitch, the linesman, the referee and the champions of south America”.

As could be expected Michel Platini was chosen as the player of the match and won the Toyota car.

In an unprecedented move, instead of claiming the car, Platini requested the cash value of the automobile and afterwards he divided that sum with his teammates.

After the match, Platini stated that this match had reconciled and rekindled his love of the game after depression following the Heysel Tragedy.

Photo From: Onze, Issue 121,  January 1986

(Michel Platini with the trophy with the exchanged jersey of Argentinos Juniors goalkeeper Vidallé, December 8, 1985, Intercontinental Cup, Juventus 2-Argentinos Juniors 2)

Photo From: Mondial, new series, issue 70, December 1985

(Michel Platini, December 8, 1985, Intercontinental Cup, Juventus 2-Argentinos Juniors 2)

His Juventus teammate, Massimo Bonini was asked about the choice of Platini as the player of the match. The San Marino player believed the decision was fair. He also stated that he does all of Platini’s running while the Frenchman sorts out all the problems on the field and that “It is not a bad arrangement.”

For the first time ever (after six tries), a European Nation won the Toyota Cup in Tokyo, breaking South American dominance of the trophy since its move there.

Photo From: World Soccer, January 1986

(Antonio Cabrini with the trophy, December 8, 1985, Intercontinental Cup, Juventus 2-Argentinos Juniors 2)

Photo From: Guerin Sportivo, Issue 570 (Number 50), December 11-17, 1985

(Juventus players celebrating with exchanged jerseys, December 8, 1985, Intercontinental Cup, Juventus 2-Argentinos Juniors 2)

Photo From: Guerin Sportivo, Issue 570 (Number 50), December 11-17, 1985

(December 8, 1985, Intercontinental Cup, Juventus 2-Argentinos Juniors 2)

Photo From: Mondial, new series, issue 70, December 1985

(December 8, 1985, Intercontinental Cup, Juventus 2-Argentinos Juniors 2)

Date: December 8, 1985

Competition: Intercontinental Cup (Toyota Cup)

Result: Juventus Football Club-Torino (Italy) 2-Asociación Atlética Argentinos Juniors-Buenos Aires (Argentina) 2 (After Extra Time) (Juventus won 4-2 on penalty kick-shoot-out)

Venue: Tokyo, National Stadium

Attendance: 62,000

Referee: Volker Roth (West Germany)

Linesmen: Sebastian Yap Bonn Yong (Singapore), Takada Shizuo (Japan)

Fourth Official: Okaya Yoshisato (Japan)

Goalscorers:

(Juventus): Michel Platini 63 pen, Michael Laudrup 82

(Argentinos Juniors): Carlos Adolfo Ereros 55, José Antonio Castro 75

Summary of goals:

1:0 (55^th minute, Argentinos Juniors): From the middle, Videla lobbed a ball to Ereros who in turn lobbed over the advancing Tacconi.

1:1 (63^rd minute, Juventus): Jorge Olguin fouled Aldo Serena in the box. Platini scored from the ensuing penalty kick.

2:1 (75^th minute, Argentinos Juniors): From the middle, Borghi sent a through ball on the right side to Castro who lobbed over Tacconi from a narrow angle.

2:2 (82^nd minute, Juventus): Massimo Bonini gained possession and passed to Laudrup in the middle, the Dane did a one-two combination with Platini, who chipped the wall over the Argentine defense to the onrushing Laudrup who went around Vidallé and scored from a closed angle

Penalty shoot-out sequence:

(Juventus): Brio (1-0), Cabrini (2-1), Serena (3-1), Laudrup (missed) (3-2), Platini (4-2)

(Argentinos Juniors): Olguin (1-1), Batista (missed) (2-1), Lopez (3-2), Pavoni (missed) (3-2)

Lineups:

Juventus:

1-Stefano Tacconi, 2-Luciano Favero, 3-Antonio Cabrini, 5-Sergio Brio, Gaetano Scirea (13-Stefano Pioli 64), 4-Massimo Bonini, 7-Massimo Mauro (16-Massimo Briaschi 78), 8-Lionello Manfredonia, 9-Aldo Serena, 10-Michel Platini (France), 11-Michael Laudrup (Denmark)

Coach: Giovanni Trapattoni

Booked: Massimo Mauro, Michel Platini

Other Substitutes: 12-Luciano Bodini, 14-Gabriele Pin, 15-Marco Pacione

Team Captain: Gaetano Scirea (Note: Cabrini assumed captaincy after Scirea’s substitution)

Shirt Sponsor: None (Ariston) were the shirt sponsors, but no shirt advertisements were allowed for this match)

Official Kit Supplier/Designer: Kappa

Uniform Colors: White/Black Vertical striped shirts, White Shorts, White Socks

Argentinos Juniors:

1-Enrique Bernardo Vidallé, 2-José Luis Pavoni, 3-Adrián Néstor Domenech, 4-Carmelo Daniel Villalba, 5-Sergio Daniel Batista, 6-Jorge Mario Olguín, 7-José Antonio Castro, 8-Mario Hernán Videla, 9-Claudio Daniel Borghi, 10-Emilio Nicolás Commisso (16-Renato Corsi (USA) 82), 11-Carlos Adolfo Ereros (14-Juan José López 117)

Coach: Jose Antonio Yudica

Booked: Mario Videla, Claudio Borghi, Renato Corsi

Other Substitutes: 12-Cesar Roberto Mendoza (Paraguay), 13-Jorge Pellegrini, 15-Miguel Lemme

Team Captain: Adrián Néstor Domenech

Official Kit Supplier/Designer: Adidas

Shirt Sponsor:  None (7-up) were the shirt sponsors, but no shirt advertisements were allowed for this match)

Uniform Colors: Red Shirts, Red Shorts, White Socks

Man of Match: Michel Platini (Juventus)

Juventus squad:

Goalkeepers:

Stefano Tacconi (May 13, 1957 (age 28 years at the time), Perugia)

Luciano Bodini (February 12, 1954 (age 31 years at the time), Leno)

Defenders:

Luciano Favero (October 11, 1957 (age 28 years at the time), Santa Maria di Sala)

Antonio Cabrini (October 8, 1957 (age 28 years at the time), Cremona)

Sergio Brio (August 19, 1956 (age 29 years at the time), Lecce)

Gaetano Scirea (May 25, 1953 (age 32 years at the time), Cermusco sul Naviglio-September 3, 1989)

Stefano Pioli (Octonber 20, 1965 (age 20 years at the time), Parma)

Midfielders:

Massimo Bonini (October 13, 1959 (age 26 years at the time), San Marino)

Massimo Mauro (May 24, 1962 (age 23 years at the time), Catanzaro)

Lionello Manfredonia (November 27, 1956 (age 29 years at the time), Rome)

Michel Platini (France) (June 21, 1955 (age 30 years at the time), Joeuf, France)

Gabriele Pin (January 21, 1962 (age 23 years at the time), Vittorio Veneto)

Forwards:

Aldo Serena (June 25, 1960 (age 25 years at the time), Montebelluna)

Michael Laudrup (Denmark) (June 15, 1964 (age 21 years at the time), Frederiksberg)

Massimo Briaschi (May 12, 1958 (age 27 years at the time), Lugo di Vicenza)

Marco Pacione (July 27, 1963 (age 22 years at the time), Pescara)

Coach: Giovanni Trapattoni (March 17, 1939 (age 46 years at the time), Cusano Milanino)

Team Captain: Gaetano Scirea

Shirt Sponsor: None (Ariston) were the shirt sponsors, but no shirt advertisements were allowed for this match)

Official Kit Supplier/Designer: Kappa

Note:

Some information for unused substitutes may not be available, therefore these are the players on and off the field that are verified to have been present).

Photo From: 1985-86 Calciatori Panini

(Juventus Logo)

Photo From: 1985-86 Calciatori Panini

(Juventus squad)

Photo From: 1985-86 Calciatori Panini

(Juventus squad)

Photo From: Toyota Cup 1985 Programme

(Giovanni Trappatoni)

Argentinos Juniors squad:

Goalkeepers:

Enrique Bernardo Vidallé (May 7, 1952 (age 33 years at the time), Canals, Cordoba)

Cesar Roberto Mendoza (Paraguay) (December 8, 1956 (age 29 years at the time), Asuncion, Paraguay)

Defenders:

José Luis Pavoni (May 23, 1954 (age 31 years at the time), Rosario)

Adrián Néstor Domenech (March 25, 1959 (age 26 years at the time), Buenos Aires)

Carmelo Daniel Villalba (June 30, 1960 (age 25 years at the time), Buenos Aires)

Jorge Mario Olguín (May 17, 1952 (age 33 years at the time), Dolores)

Jorge Pellegrini (July 12, 1956 (age 29 years at the time), Santa Fe)

Miguel Lemme (April 4, 1953 (age 32 years at the time), Buenos Aires)

Midfielders:

Sergio Daniel Batista (November 9, 1962 (age 23 years at the time), Buenos Aires)

Mario Hernán Videla (January 28, 1962 (age 23 years at the time), Mendoza)

Claudio Daniel Borghi (September 28, 1964 (age 21 years at the time), Castelar)

Emilio Nicolás Commisso (November 5, 1956 (age 29 years at the time), Cordoba)

Juan José López (October 31, 1950 (age 35 years at the time), Guernica, Buenos Aires)

Forwards:

José Antonio Castro (October 15, 1955 (age 28 years at the time), Buenos Aires)

Renato Corsi (USA) (January 24, 1963 (age 22 years at the time), Manhattan, New York City, USA)

Carlos Adolfo Ereros (March 6, 1960 (age 25 years at the time), Buenos Aires)

Coach: Jose Antonio Yudica (February 26, 1936 (age 49 years at the time), Rosario, Santa Fe)

Team Captain: Adrián Néstor Domenech

Official Kit Supplier/Designer: Adidas

Shirt Sponsor:  None (7-up) were the shirt sponsors, but no shirt advertisements were allowed for this match)

Note:

Some information for unused substitutes may not be available, therefore these are the players on and off the field that are verified to have been present).

Photo From: Toyota Cup 1985 Programme

(Argentinos Juniors Logo)

Photo From: Toyota Cup 1985 Programme

(Argentinos Juniors squad)

Photo From: Toyota Cup 1985 Programme

(Argentinos Juniors squad)

Photo From: Toyota Cup 1985 Programme

(Jose Antonio Yudica)

Match Referee:

Volker Roth (February 1, 1942 (age 43 years at the time), Salzgitter, Germany)

Photo From: kicker_WM-Sonderheft_1986

(Match Referee Volker Roth)

References:

France Football, Issue 2070, December 10, 1985

El Grafico, Issue 3453, 1985

Onze, Issue 121, January 1986

Mondial, new series, issue 70, December 1985

Guerin Sportivo, Issue 570 (Number 50), December 11-17, 1985

World Soccer, January 1986

Toyota Cup 1985 Programme

UEFA Super Cup- Part Six (Liverpool vs. Anderlecht, 1978)

The sixth edition of the UEFA Super Cup took place in the Fall of 1978, between the winner of the Champions Cup, Liverpool and the winners of the Cup Winners Cup, Anderlecht.

The English side Liverpool were the defending Super Cup Champions and had won their second straight Champions Cup after defeating Belgian side Club Brugge (1-0) at Wembley on May 10^th, 1978.

They were continuing a dynasty at the top level following UEFA Cup wins in 1973 and 1976 and the Champions Cup in 1977.

The English contingent of Clemence, Neal, Smith, Thompson, Alan and Ray Kennedy, Case, McDermott were complemented with the Scottish trio of Dalglish, Souness and Hansen

The Belgian side Anderlecht were also having their greatest era on the European Stage. They had just won their second Cup Winners Cup in three years on May 3^rd, 1978 at Paris by defeating Austria’s FK Austria Vienna (4-0).

The side contained a mix of Belgian and Dutch Internationals.

The Belgians included the likes of Ludo Coeck, Van der Elst and Vercauteren.

The Dutch stars included Rensenbrink, Haan and Geels, to name a few,

Anderlecht had won this trophy just two years prior by defeating the mighty Bayern Munich.

It was hard to pick favorites between two of the greatest teams of the decade.

The first leg was played on December 4^th, 1978 at Brussels’ Emile Versé Stadium.

For Liverpool, their veteran Captain Emlyn Hughes was not a regular by this time. He nevertheless started as Phil Thompson was injured.

As the home team, Anderlecht were intent on attacking to build up a margin. They took the lead through a header by Vercauteren in the 17^th minute after a fine cross from the right side from Resenebrink.

Just ten minutes later, Jimmy Case leveled the score from a long-range shot.

Anderlecht continued attacking and were rewarded in the 38^th minute, when Van der Elst struck home another cross from the right side.

With just minutes remaining, Rensenbrink struck a decisive third goal to make the Belgians’ cushion stronger for the second leg.

Liverpool Manager Bob Paisley was very critical of his team's performance, he said, “We threw it away, our attitude was wrong and we were careless. Anderlecht are a great team going forward, but we never attacked them as we should. Our approach seems to have gone a bit wrong and we've lost our scoring touch where earlier in the season our finishing was great."

A two-goal margin was not beyond Liverpool and there was a lot to play for in the second leg despite Anderlecht’s dominance.

Photo From: Official Match Programme, Liverpool v Anderlecht, 1978

(December 4, 1978, UEFA Super Cup, Anderlecht 3- Liverpool 1)

Photo From: Official Match Programme, Liverpool v Anderlecht, 1978

(December 4, 1978, UEFA Super Cup, Anderlecht 3- Liverpool 1)

Photo From: Official Match Programme, Liverpool v Anderlecht, 1978

(December 4, 1978, UEFA Super Cup, Anderlecht 3- Liverpool 1)

Photo From: France Football, Issue 1888, June 15, 1982

(Károly Palotai)

The Second Leg took place at Liverpool’s Anfield Stadium on December 19^th, 1978.

Liverpool made a few changes from the first leg. Starting goalkeeper Ray Clemence had been injured in training. Steve Ogrizovic would deputize for him in goal.

Phil Thompson was back in the squad with Alan Kennedy making way. In attack, David Fairclough started ahead of David Johnson.

Anderlecht made two changes to their own squad.

Gilbert van Binst and Matty van Toom started ahead of Broos and Benny Nielsen.

The conditions for this return leg were farcical, as the pitch was frosty and a fog covered the entire ground.

The conditions forced the match to start 15 minutes late. Not that it made a difference as no one in the stands could see the action on the field.

Liverpool attacked from the start, as they had to make up a deficit.

They took the lead in the 13^th minute, when Emlyn Hughes knocked in a rebound after De Bree had parried Jimmy Case’s shot.

It was reported that after Liverpool’s goal, the fans chanted, "Oggy, Oggy (Ogrizovic) tell us who scored", since they could not see the action on the field.

Liverpool continued to dominate with Souness and McDermott controlling the midfield.

At halftime, Anderlecht replaced the injured Geels with Martens.

The Belgians started attacking after halftime and started creating chances.

They tied the match in the 71^st minute through Van der Elst. This more or less sealed the tie as Liverpool had to score twice more in twenty minutes just to force overtime.

Liverpool did manage to score just before the end through Fairclough but to no avail. Despite Liverpool’s (2-1) win. Anderlecht won the tie (4-3) on aggregate to win their second UEFA Super Cup in three seasons.

Photo From: Official Match Programme, Liverpool v Anderlecht, 1978

(December 19, 1978, UEFA Super Cup, Liverpool 2-Anderlecht)

Photo From: Gazet van Antwerpen, December 20, 1978

(December 19, 1978, UEFA Super Cup, Liverpool 2-Anderlecht)

Photo From: France Football, Issue 1888, June 15, 1982

(Nicolae Rainea)

Following the match, Referee Nicolae Rainea justified his decision to play by stating, “When I went out there before kick-off I decided I could see well enough and so I decided to play. I am afraid many spectators would not get a very clear view but there was no time I had any thoughts of abandoning the game.".

In contrast Liverpool Manager Bob Paisley was very critical of Rainea’s decision to allow the match to go on, Paisley said, “You can't play football in conditions like that, it's ridiculous.”

He suggested the competition should be played in April with better weather. 

He added, "I think a match like this, between two leading team should be played in better weather, say in April. I know it's difficult, but it's farcical when good players like these have to slither about in fog and can't see each other….It was farcical playing the game in such conditions. There is no way an important game should have been played tonight….My main concern was that somebody might get hurt. Luckily nobody did. I wanted to play this match in April when it would have been a real decider between the winners of the two big European Cups. Then we would have had 40,000 here and they would have seen a good spectacle.”

Paisley’s desire in April was wishful thinking at best as the Semifinals of the European Cup Competitions regularly took place in that month.

The scheduling of this competition would be a point of contention for the upcoming decades.

December 4, 1978

Royale sporting Club Anderlechtois (Belgium) 3-Liverpool Football Club (England) 1

UEFA Super Cup- First Leg

Venue: Brussels- Emile Versé Stadium

Attendance: 35,000

Referee: Karoly Palotai (Hungary)

Goalscorers:

(Anderlecht): Franky Vercauteren 17, François Van der Elst 38. Rob Rensenbrink 87

 (Liverpool): Jimmy Case 27

Summary of goals:

1:0 (17th minute, Anderlecht): Rensenbrink’s cross from the right side was headed in by Vercauteren.

1:1 (27th minute, Liverpool): Jimmy Case scored from a long shot from outside the box.

2:1 (38th minute, Anderlecht): A loose ball in the air was one timed volleyed across from the right side by Benny Nielsen, it went across the box and Van Der Elst shot home.

3:1 (87th minute, Anderlecht): Haan sent Rensenbrink clear on the left side, he cut in and slid past Clemence.

Lineups:

RSC Anderlecht:

1-Nico de Bree (Holland), 2-François Van der Elst, 3-Hugo Broos, 4-Johnny Dusbaba (Holland), 5-Jean Thissen, 6-Franky Vercauteren, 7-Benny Nielsen (Denmark), 8-Ruud Geels (Holland), 9-Arie Haan (Holland), 10-Ludo Coeck, 11-Rob Rensenbrink (Holland)

Coach: Raymond Goethals

Booked: Jean Thissen 45 (foul on Dalglish)

Other Substitutes:

12-Jacky Munaron, 13-Ronny Martens, 14-Gilbert van Binst, 15-Matty van Toom (Holland)

Team Captain: Rob Rensenbrink

Official Kit Supplier/Designer: Adidas

Uniform Colors: White Shirts, White Shorts, White Socks

Liverpool:

1-Ray Clemence, 2-Phil Neal, 3-Alan Kennedy, 4-Emlyn Hughes, 5-Ray Kennedy, 6-Alan Hansen (Scotland), 7-Kenny Dalglish (Scotland), 8-Jimmy Case, 9-David Johnson (12-Steve Heighway (Republic of Ireland) 54),10-Terry McDermott, 11-Graeme Souness (Scotland)

Coach: Bob Paisley

Other Substitutes:

13-Steve Ogrizovic, 14-David Fairclough, 15-Sammy Lee, 16-Brian Kettle

Team Captain: Kenny Dalglish

Official Kit Supplier/Designer: Umbro

Uniform Colors: Red Shirts, Red Shorts, Red Socks

December 19, 1978

Liverpool Football Club (England) 2- Royale sporting Club Anderlechtois (Belgium) 1

UEFA Super Cup- Second Leg

Venue: Liverpool-Anfield Stadium

Attendance: 23,598

Referee: Nicolae Rainea (Romania)

Linesmen: Petriceanu, Dinulescu (both Romania)

Goalscorers:

(Liverpool): Emlyn Hughes 13, David Fairclough 87

(Anderlecht): François Van der Elst 71

Summary of goals:

1:0 (13th minute, Liverpool): Jimmy Case’s shot was parried by de Bree, Hughes scored from the rebound.

1:1 (71st minute, Anderlecht): In a counter attack Van der Elst combined with Rensenbrink and slid the ball past Ogrizovic from 15 yards out.

2:1 (87^th minute, Liverpol): Thompson sent a long clearance, for Dalglish who headed down for Fairclough to chip the ball in.

Lineups:

Liverpool:

1- Steve Ogrizovic, 2-Phil Neal, 3- Emlyn Hughes, 4-Phil Thompson, 5-Ray Kennedy, 6-Alan Hansen (Scotland), 7-Kenny Dalglish (Scotland), 8-Jimmy Case, 9- David Fairclough,10-Terry McDermott, 11-Graeme Souness (Scotland)

Coach: Bob Paisley

Booked: Phil Neal (impeding Rensenbrink)

Other Substitutes:

12- David Johnson, 13- Ray Clemence, 14-Steve Heighway (Republic of Ireland), 15-Sammy Lee, 16-Brian Kettle

Team Captain: Kenny Dalglish

Official Kit Supplier/Designer: Umbro

Uniform Colors: Red Shirts, Red Shorts, Red Socks

Note: Kenny Dalglish is named as the Captain in many sources, however, in the video highlights of the match Emlyn Hughes is shown with the armband after scoring.

RSC Anderlecht:

1-Nico de Bree (Holland), 2-Gilbert van Binst, 3-Matty van Toom (Holland), 4-Johnny Dusbaba (Holland), 5-Jean Thissen, 6-Franky Vercauteren, 7-François Van der Elst, 8-Ruud Geels (Holland) (12-Ronny Martens 46), 9-Arie Haan (Holland), 10-Ludo Coeck, 11-Rob Rensenbrink (Holland)

Coach: Raymond Goethals

Booked: Johnny Dusbaba (pulling back Souness)

Other Substitutes:

-

Team Captain: Rob Rensenbrink

Official Kit Supplier/Designer: Adidas

Uniform Colors: White Shirts, White Shorts, White Socks

Liverpool Team for these matches:

Goalkeepers:

Raymond Neal Clemence (August 5, 1948 (age 30 years at the time), Skengress)

Steve Ogrizovic (September 12, 1957 (age 21 years at the time),  Mansfield, Nottinghamshire)

Defenders:

Philip George Neal (February 20, 1951, (age 27 years at the time), Irchester)

Alan Kennedy (August 31, 1954 (age 24 years at the time),  Sunderland)

Philip Bernard Thompson (January 21, 1954 (age 24 years at the time), Kirkby)

Emlyn Walter Hughes (August 28, 1947 (age 31 years at the time),Barrow-in-Furness-November 9, 2004, Sheffield)

Alan David Hansen (June 13, 1955 (age 23 years at the time), Sauchie)

Midfielders/Forwards:

Raymond Kennedy (July 28, 1951 (age 27 years at the time), Seaton Delaval)

Kenneth Mathieson Dalglish (Scotland) (March 4, 1951 (age 27 years at the time), Dalmarnock)

James Robert ‘Jimmy’ Case (May 18, 1954 (age 24 years at the time), Liverpool)

Stephen Derek ‘Steve’ Heighway (Republic of Ireland) (November 25, 1947 (age 31 years at the time), Dublin, Republic of Ireland)

David Fairclough (January 5, 1957 (age 21 years at the time),  Liverpool)

David Edward Johnson (October 23, 1951 (age 27 years at the time), Liverpool)

Terence ‘Terry’ McDermott (December 8, 1951 (age 26-27 years at the time), Liverpool)

Graeme James Souness (Scotland) (May 6, 1953 (age 25 years at the time), Edinburgh, Scotland)

Samuel ‘Sammy’ Lee (February 7, 1959 (age 19 years at the time), Liverpool)

Brian Kettle (April 22, 1956 (age 22 years at the time), Prescott)

Coach: Robert ‘Bob’ Paisley (January 23, 1919 (age 69 years at the time), Hetton-le-Hole-February 14, 1996, Liverpool)

Team Captain: Kenneth Mathieson Dalglish (Scotland)

Official Kit Supplier/Designer: Umbro

Note:

Some information for unused substitutes may not be available, therefore these are the players on and off the field that are verified to have been present).

Photo From: Panini England 78-79

(Liverpool Logo)

Photo Credits:

All Liverpool players and Manager from Panini England 78-79

Except:

Sammy Lee (Panini England 82-83)

Ogrizovic (Panini England 84-85)

Brian Kettle (Anfield Review)

RSC Anderlecht Team for these matches:

Goalkeepers:

Nicolaas Alphonsus Petrus ‘Nico’ de Bree (Holland) (September 16, 1944 (age 34 years at the time), Zuilen, Holland-May 6, 2016, Vienna, Austria)

Jacques ‘Jacky’ Munaron (September 8, 1956 (age 22 years at the time), Namur)

Defenders:

Hugo Broos (April 10, 1952 (age 26 years at the time), Humbeek)

Johnny Dusbaba (Holland) (March 14, 1956 (age 22 years at the time), The Hague, Holland)

Jean Thissen (April 21, 1946 (age 32 years at the time), Ensival, Verviers)

Gilbert van Binst (July 7, 1951 (age 27 years at the time), Machelen)

Midfielders / Forwards:

François Van der Elst (December 1, 1954 (age 24 years at the time), Opwijk, Holland-January 11, 2017, Aalst)

François ‘Franky’ Vercauteren (October 28, 1956 (age 22 years at the time), Sint-Jans-Molenbeek)

Jorgen ‘Benny’ Nielsen (Denmark) (March 7, 1951 (age 27 years at the time), Frederiksvaersk, Denmark)

Geertruida ‘Ruud’ Maria Geels (Holland) (July 28, 1948 (age 30 years at the time), Haarlem, Holland)

Arend ‘Arie’ Haan (Holland) (November 16, 1948 (age 30 years at the time), Finsterwolde, Holland)

Ludo Coeck (September 25, 1955 (age 23 years at the time), Berchem-October 9, 1985, Edegem)

Pieter Robert ‘Rob’ Rensenbrink (Holland) (July 3, 1947 (age 31 years at the time), Amsterdam, Holland)

Ronny Martens (December 22, 1958 (age 19 years at the time),)

Matthijs ‘Matty’ van Toom (Holland) (December 29, 1950 (age 27 years at the time), Rotterdam, Holland-November 21, 2007, Liege, Belgium)

Coach: Raymnd Goethals (October 7 1921 (age 57 years at the time), Vorst-December 6, 2004, Brussels)

Team Captain: Rob Rensenbrink

Official Kit Supplier/Designer: Adidas

Shirt Sponsor: Belle-Vue (For these matches no shirt sponsors was used)

Note:

Some information for unused substitutes may not be available, therefore these are the players on and off the field that are verified to have been present).

Photo From: anderlecht logo Panini Belgium 1978-79

(Anderlecht logo)

Photo Credits:

All Anderlecht players and Manager from Panini Belgium 1978-79 

References;

Daily Telegraph, December 20, 1978

Gazet van Antwerpen, December 20, 1978

Official Match Programme, Liverpool v Anderlecht, 1978