Liverpool’s Historic 11-0 Victory Celebrated 50 Years On

Fifty years ago, Liverpool Football Club etched its name in history with a record scoreline victory over the Norwegian team Stromsgodset, defeating them 11-0 at Anfield. This remarkable event took place during the European Cup Winners’ Cup first round, first-leg on September 17, 1974, under the management of the newly appointed Bob Paisley.

Phil Thompson, known for his defensive prowess rather than his goal-scoring ability, contributed two goals that night. He was joined on the scoresheet by Phil Boersma, Alec Lindsay, Emlyn Hughes, Steve Heighway, Tommy Smith, Peter Cormack, Ray Kennedy, and Ian Callaghan. “I won’t forget that night,” Thompson reflected in a recent interview with Liverpoolfc.com, half a century later.

Interestingly, Thompson noted that the match, despite being a massive defeat for Stromsgodset, is still remembered fondly in Norway due to the large Liverpool fanbase there. “It goes down in their history,” he said. For Thompson, scoring twice in one game was a rare occurrence, as he scored only 13 goals in total for Liverpool.

Michael Charters of the Liverpool Echo highlighted Thompson’s first goal for its brilliance. Thompson initiated a move from his own half, passed to Alec Lindsay, and sprinted forward, ultimately receiving a perfectly timed pass which he converted into a goal. Although Thompson vividly remembers this goal, he admits forgetting the details of his second goal from that night.

This match marked the third time Liverpool secured a double-figure victory, following their 10-1 defeat of Rotherham Town in 1896 and a 10-0 win over Dundalk in 1969. Similar achievements include their 10-1 victory over Oulun Palloseura in 1980 and a 10-0 win against Fulham in 1986. However, the 11-0 win over Stromsgodset remains an unmatched feat.

“It was quite a unique night because every outfield player scored for us except Brian Hall,” Thompson added. He expressed doubt whether such a scoreline will ever be bettered, citing improvements in team performances over the years.

As a testament to Liverpool’s rich history, Anfield has also been nominated for the UK’s Best Landmark in the Remarkable Venue Awards 2024. This nomination underscores the excellent experiences consistently delivered by the stadium and its tours team. Voting closes on September 23, with the winner to be announced at the London Transport Museum on October 22.