The Champions League draw stirred magical memories for Alan Kennedy of his finest hour.
Liverpool’s left-back scored from a seemingly impossible angle in Paris in 1981 to give his side victory over Real Madrid in the European Cup final.
That is the only time the two clubs – who have won club football’s top honour 14 times between them – have ever played each other, but they will meet again following yesterday’s draw for the last 16.
However, as much as Kennedy will be cheering on his former club over those two legs, it’s the chase for domestic honours in shape of a 19th league title that is his main focus this season.
“I have to say at the moment my concern is the Premier League,” said Kennedy.
“First of all I want Liverpool to concentrate on that, starting with the game at Arsenal. Liverpool must do all they can to make sure they're still top of the League when they take on Real Madrid in February.
“But it’s a fantastic draw, and for the fans especially. A lot of people I’ve spoken to were there in Paris 27 years ago and remember how we won the European Cup.”
Kennedy recalls only too clearly his goal.
“Of course, it brings back great memories for me, you can never forget that,” he said.
“This is going to be different. It’s over two legs. Liverpool must be in the top four to win the competition and I expect them to go through.
“Real have a temporary manager in Juande Ramos and I don't want him turning it around before the tie.”
Liverpool’s left-back scored from a seemingly impossible angle in Paris in 1981 to give his side victory over Real Madrid in the European Cup final.
That is the only time the two clubs – who have won club football’s top honour 14 times between them – have ever played each other, but they will meet again following yesterday’s draw for the last 16.
However, as much as Kennedy will be cheering on his former club over those two legs, it’s the chase for domestic honours in shape of a 19th league title that is his main focus this season.
“I have to say at the moment my concern is the Premier League,” said Kennedy.
“First of all I want Liverpool to concentrate on that, starting with the game at Arsenal. Liverpool must do all they can to make sure they're still top of the League when they take on Real Madrid in February.
“But it’s a fantastic draw, and for the fans especially. A lot of people I’ve spoken to were there in Paris 27 years ago and remember how we won the European Cup.”
Kennedy recalls only too clearly his goal.
“Of course, it brings back great memories for me, you can never forget that,” he said.
“This is going to be different. It’s over two legs. Liverpool must be in the top four to win the competition and I expect them to go through.
“Real have a temporary manager in Juande Ramos and I don't want him turning it around before the tie.”
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