Alan Kennedy: Remembering Paris

Last updated : 05 February 2009 By Alan Kennedy
I had mixed feelings when the draw was made to be honest. At first I didn't realise it was the first time the two clubs had met since 1981. But on reflection it was fortunate for two highly respected clubs to have been drawn together in the Champions League. It's a romantic tie for me and I'm sure there will be lots of memories for everyone.

Until that time it was the biggest game I had played in as I was still quite young. Bob Paisley told me to try to take it all in, and I remember the whole day, the ticket allocation problems and the television. I just don't recall getting to the ground. Dalglish and I weren't fully fit. I'd missed the semi-final and had only one game before the final so I wasn't guaranteed to play.

The pitch wasn't good as it had been used for a rugby game the week before, and Bob was concerned about the long grass, but our complaints were pushed aside and we were told to play regardless. It was a see-saw game, with very few clearcut chances. David Johnson had one for us in the first half and they had one in the second half which scared us a bit.

I remember my goal clearly. Bob always encouraged me to make space for other players so it was unusual for me to break into the space as I did. Ray Kennedy's throw-in had to be perfect and it was. I just chested it down and ran into the box. I remember being challenged by their defender Cortez, who was a bull of a man. He confronted me but I just drifted past him. The keeper prepared for a cross but I went for the near post, then ran to the fans wondering if I really had just scored.



It's only 28 years later you realise how impressive it all was. I love to show people my medals and recall my memories. At the time there was very little sport on TV, but I'm sure we'll see the goal a few times between now and the Champions League game.

Real Madrid have picked up under Ramos and there's not going to be a lot of chances in either leg. We'll have to wait and see if Steven Gerrard recovers in time, and if Torres can regain his touch. The next couple of weeks is vital for his fitness.

I've not been invited to Madrid yet - I'm not hugely popular out there because of 1981, but I'll certainly be at Anfield for the return leg. It promises to be a good one.