When the Reds Conquered Wembley: Top Ten Moments

by Jack Cranmer 

Liverpool and Wembley have shared a long and mostly happy relationship since the Reds’ first trip to England’s national stadium back in 1950. Though it began on a sour note that day, the club have since enjoyed countless famous moments at both the old and the new Wembley.

From their first ever cup triumph, to European glory, to modern-day memories, we count down Liverpool’s top ten matches at Wembley.

Liverpool 2-2 Cardiff City (2012 League Cup Final)

This first entry came during a difficult spell for the club. After Rafa Benítez’s departure, Roy Hodgson was appointed in the summer of 2010, but poor results led to the return of legendary former striker Kenny Dalglish in January 2011, almost 20 years after his first spell in charge had ended.

While King Kenny could not reverse the club’s league fortunes, he did deliver some much needed morale boosting silverware in the form of the 2012 League Cup.

Taking on Championship side Cardiff City, Liverpool were overwhelming favourites but fell behind inside 20 minutes when Joe Mason finished neatly past Pepe Reina after Kenny Miller had been given too much space to thread a pass.

The Reds eventually found a way back, Martin Škrtel bundling home from close range after Stewart Downing’s corner had ricocheted off the post. Dirk Kuyt looked to have won the tie in extra time, but Ben Turner scrambled in a dramatic equaliser for Cardiff to force penalties.

Liverpool’s shootout started disastrously with both Steven Gerrard and Charlie Adam missing their kicks. Cardiff, however, also faltered, with Miller failing to convert. In the end, the Reds edged out the plucky Bluebirds 3-2 on penalties, lifting much-needed silverware during what was otherwise a bleak spell in our modern era.

Dalglish later admitted: “We weren’t at our best, but winning a trophy for this club is always special. 

“That’s what Liverpool is about. Winning.”

Liverpool 3-0 Newcastle United (1974 FA Cup Final)

After nearly a decade without an FA Cup triumph, Liverpool arrived at Wembley under the stewardship of the iconic Bill Shankly, who had already transformed the club into a domestic powerhouse. 

Newcastle were seeking their seventh Cup, almost 20 years on from their own last victory, but it was Liverpool who dazzled on the day.

Kevin Keegan was the star of the show, scoring twice in the second half, while Steve Heighway added another in a commanding 3-0 victory. 

The Sunday Express headline the following day summed it up: ‘Keegan the King at Wembley.’

It was Shankly’s last trophy as Liverpool manager, and though his retirement was announced not long after, this final served as the crowning glory of his 15-year reign. 

Liverpool 2-1 Everton (2012 FA Cup Semi-Final)

Wembley hosted one of the most intense Merseyside derbies of all time in this semi-final. Everton struck first through Nikica Jelavić after a mix-up in the Reds backline, sending the blue half of Wembley into ecstasy… for a brief moment.

But Liverpool’s response came through Luis Suárez, who punished Sylvain Distin’s errant back-pass with an ice-cold finish. The game hung in the balance until the 87th minute, when Andy Carroll rose to meet Craig Bellamy’s cross and powered in a header to seal victory.

Carroll, often criticised during his time at Anfield, and who had missed a guilt edge chance earlier was the hero of the match.

Jamie Carragher would later say: “It doesn’t get much better than beating Everton at Wembley!” - summing up the mood of the support he represented.

Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea (2022 League Cup Final)

A dramatic goalless draw saw both sides cancel each other out in a contest full of chances but lacking goals. Both teams came close, with Romelo Lukaku even having a goal ruled out for offside.

The match will always be remembered for its extraordinary penalty shootout. Every outfield player converted, leaving the keepers to settle it. Caoimhín Kelleher smashed home for Liverpool before Chelsea’s Kepa Arrizabalaga, brought on specifically for the shootout, blazed his effort into the stands.

Jürgen Klopp hailed his young goalkeeper: “He deserves it. At the training centre we have a wall that all goalkeepers are on who won something and Caoimhin can go on it, that’s how it should be.”

Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea (2022 FA Cup Final)

Just months later, history repeated itself. Another goalless draw, another marathon shootout. This time, Chelsea faltered first with César Azpilicueta. Sadio Mane would miss the Reds final kick to send it to sudden death.

Another goalkeeper would be the hero this time, as Allison would deny Mason Mount in the dramatic end stage of the shootout to give the Reds the advantage.

Up stepped Kostas Tsimikas, the “Greek Scouser”, who calmly rolled the winning penalty into the corner, securing Liverpool’s first FA Cup since the Gerrard final against West Ham at the Millenium Stadium, 16 years previous.

It secured Klopp a clean sweep of honours, adding the FA Cup to his Premier League, League Cup and UEFA Champions League honour list. He said afterwards: “It is pure joy to be part of this club at the moment.”

Liverpool 2-1 Manchester United (1983 League Cup Final)

Bob Paisley’s Liverpool were at the peak of their powers, and the 1983 final pitted them against bitter rivals Manchester United. Norman Whiteside, United’s star boy of the time, fired his side ahead, but Alan Kennedy equalised with a deflected strike late in the match.

In extra time, Ronnie Whelan curled a stunning effort beyond the helpless Gary Bailey to seal Liverpool’s third consecutive League Cup. 

It was seen as the moment the apprentice became the master, due to Whelan’s rise in midfield.

His manager said later: “When those special matches come round and there are medals to be won, I look past them all towards Ronnie Whelan and think to myself, there’s our man for the big occasion.”

Paisley was right, and in his final season, the win contributed to his ninth and last major trophy as manager.

Liverpool 3-2 Everton (1989 FA Cup Final)

A final played under the heaviest of shadows, just weeks after the Hillsborough disaster. Both sets of supporters united before kick-off in an emotional tribute, waving scarves together in a sea of red and blue.

On the pitch, Liverpool struck first through John Aldridge, but Stuart McCall equalised dramatically in the final minute for the Blues. 

In extra time, substitute Ian Rush scored twice, either side of another McCall effort, as Liverpool won 3-2.

In an interview, Rush emphasized the unity between the two clubs during that period: "We wanted to do it for the fans. We knew we needed to do something for them, for everything they had been through." 

And that he very much did.

Liverpool 3-1 Everton (1986 FA Cup Final)

The first all-Merseyside FA Cup final remains one of the great showcases of English football. Everton, the reigning league champions, took the lead through Gary Lineker and looked poised to spoil Liverpool’s double dream.

But Kenny Dalglish’s men roared back in the second half. That man Rush equalised, before Craig Johnston gave the Reds the advantage, before Rush scored once again to seal the victory and complete a famous league and cup double.

Dalglish, who had managed from the front that day whilst also still playing, said afterwards: “"The lads deserve every single thing that's happened. I am as delighted for them as I am for myself. 

“To do the Double in your first season as manager is an absolute dream"

Liverpool 2-1 Leeds United (1965 FA Cup Final)

Liverpool’s first ever victory at Wembley, and their first FA Cup triumph. Having won the league title the previous season, Bill Shankly’s side faced Don Revie’s Leeds in a tense, physical battle.

With the game goalless after 90 minutes, Roger Hunt scored Liverpool’s first Wembley goal three minutes into extra time, only for Billy Bremner to level almost immediately.

But with time running out, Ian Callaghan’s brilliant run and cross found Ian St John, who headed home the winner with just minutes remaining. Liverpool would finally loft the famous trophy high in front of a 100k strong Wembley crowd.

For Shankly, it was a dream realised. It is said he told reporters post-match that: “This is the people’s trophy. This belongs to the Kop.”

Liverpool 1-0 Club Bruges (1978 European Cup Final)

Despite all the domestic glory it was in Europe when Wembley staged one of Liverpool’s greatest triumphs. The 1978 European Cup Final. Bob Paisley’s side, already holders, faced Belgian champions Club Bruges.

A tense affair was settled in the second half when Kenny Dalglish latched onto Graeme Souness’ through ball and delicately chipped over the goalkeeper. A goal made in Scotland at the home of the ‘auld enemy’.

Souness, said later about his teammates in his usual brash manner: "They gave off a feeling of invincibility, that Liverpool team of the time. There was just no way we were going to lose that game."

He also labelled the match result a "dream come true.”

Liverpool became the first British club to retain the European Cup, and Paisley the first English manager in history to win it twice.