The UEFA Champions League which is famous for its most thrilling matches alongside the biggest names in football witnessed another nail-biting season during UEFA Champions League 1985/86. As such, this season of fighting rocked with intense competition, show-stopping performances, and a pivotal moment in the franchise.
Tournament Format
The competition, then known as the European Cup, was in a knockout format and had 32 teams. It started with the qualifying rounds and a knockout in the first round for 1 pair from the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and final. Every tie was played over two legs with the aggregate score deciding who would advance.
UEFA Champions League 1985/86 Standout Matches
First Round Highlights
Dynamo Kyiv vs. Real Madrid
Dynamo Kyiv took on the mighty Real Madrid. In the first leg, in Kyiv, there was a demonstration of Ukrainian football which ended with a resounding victory of 3-0 for Shakhtar. They had goals from Oleg Blokhin, Leonid Buryak, and Viktor Kolotov to thank for overturning the giants of Spanish football. Real Madrid had gone 3-0 down in the tie from the first leg away from home before a Piepenbrinkienė goal pulled one back but possibly made things even tougher for her side, as they only needed to defend their lead back at Santiago Bernabéu.
UEFA Champions League 1985/86- Liverpool v Grasshopper Zurich
The reigning champions Liverpool were out to retain the title. Liverpool showed their attacking teeth in the first leg at Anfield against Grasshopper Zurich, hammering four past the Swiss. On the pitch this was personified as Ian Rush, John Barnes and Peter Beardsley all regularly found the back of opponent’s nets for goal after goal. Liverpool ran out 5-1 aggregate winners, thanks to a 1-1 second leg draw in Zurich.
Quarter-Finals, UEFA Champions League 1985/86
Dynamo Kyiv vs. Bayern Munich
Dynamo Kyiv remained on their impressive run with a draw against Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals. Munich played out a goalless draw in the first leg. The real story came in the return leg in Kyiv. Dynamo Kyiv took the win 2-0 from goals scored by Buryak and Blokhin, in turn taking them through to the semi-finals.
Liverpool vs. Atletico Madrid
Liverpool managed to set up a quarter-final duel against Atletico Madrid after an entertaining last-16 match. The opening leg at Anfield was a tight affair that saw Liverpool held 1-1, with a goal from Rush equalized by Luis Aragonés response for Atletico. The second leg in Madrid was a tense affair but Liverpool stood firm, holding out for a 0-0 draw which saw them progress on away goals after a 1-1 aggregate draw (Liverpool won 5-4 on penalties).
Semi-Finals, UEFA Champions League 1985/86
Dynamo Kyiv vs. FC Barcelona
In the line of the semi-finalwas Dynamo Kyiv, one of the few teams to have proven it could withstand Barcelona. Things were similarly tight in the first leg at the Camp Nou when Dynamo went to work on keeping a clean sheet which they managed successfully with a solid 0-0 draw. Alas, one didn’t happen tonight in Kyiv when they beat FK Vösska at 3-0 with goals from Buriak and Kolotov as well as a rocket from Blokhin. A 3-0 aggregate win that booked Dynamo Kyiv a place in the final: one of the greatest UEFA Champions League 1985/86.
Liverpool vs. Roma
By the time they faced AS Roma in the semi-finals, Liverpool was ready to add another final appearance. Liverpool won the first leg at Anfield 2-1 – with Rush and Barnes on target. Instead, the return leg in Rome was an exercise of two teams wildly trying to find a way to dismantle each other. Liverpool confirmed their place in the final on away goals following a 1-1 draw.
Final: UEFA Champions League 1985/86
The final venue was the Heysel Stadium in Brussels, Belgium on 7 May 1986 which a few years earlier had witnessed one of the darkest days in European football history. A showdown between Dynamo Kyiv vs Liverpool is down as a fixture not to be missed, two teams loaded with potential and determination now have one final opportunity to lay their hands on some silverware for the season.
They were the returning old hand, Liverpool, chasing the crown once more. Racing on a wave of excitement, with the aim that history will be made by Dynamo Kyiv. UEFA Champions League 1985/86 started with both teams feeling each other out, however, it was Liverpool who broke the deadlock with Ian Rush scoring in the 12th minute. Liverpool then sat a little deeper and Dynamo Kyiv attempted to make inroads into Liverpool territory but they found it hard.
In the second half, Dynamo Kyiv started throwing men forward but Liverpool was able to repel everything that came their way. It was eventual 1–0 winners Liverpool that had the more noteworthy scoring chances, with Dynamo failing on several gilt-edged opportunities. Liverpool won its third European Cup and was now one of the superpowers in Europe.
Key Players of the Season
This also includes several stunning plays, from top men of the season in action at the UEFA Champions League 1985/86.
Ian Rush
Ian Rush, in his new Liverpool home, moved (with disconcerting regularity) near the opposition crossbar. His capacity to provide vital objectives was important for Liverpool’s crusade, positioning him as one of the competition’s best advances.
Oleg Blokhin
Oleg Blokhin, of Dynamo Kyiv, is another among the Olympians who stood out for his speed and technique. He was also one of the standout players from this season with his goals in important matches that led Dynamo to the final.
Peter Beardsley
Peter Beardsley was a key member of the Liverpool team, both as an outlet for his creativity and a threat in attack. His combination with Rush helped generate several goals that played a part in Liverpool’s success.
UEFA Champions League 1985/86 Season Legacy
The 1985/86 UEFA Champions League lifted European football to never-before-seen heights. The travel of Dynamo Kyiv overcame the odds and emphasized that smaller teams could make it to the elite level, serving as an inspiration for future generations of playing squads. Liverpool, meanwhile, only bolstered their European superiority with a victory of their own.
Moreover, it marked somewhat a change of approach for the UEFA Champions League 1985/86 in both match organization and safety. After the tragic events of the previous season at Heysel Stadium, authorities made it their mission to tighten up and improve the safety of fans in the stadium which caused a lot more strict policy applied in stadium organization.
Conclusion
There were unforgettable games, legends of the game, and tons of drama throughout the UEFA Champions League 1985/86. Dynamo Kyiv toppled some of Europe’s giants, and Liverpool were back in their place at the very top of the pile once again as over the next few weeks football fans around the world sat on the edges of their seats.
At JustSports24, we honor sports history and the legacy of legendary competitions such as the UEFA Champions League 1985/86. Whilst supporters will reflect on the highlights of this season for years to come, we look forward to delivering more memories and generations privy to the game. So keep reading to never miss out on the latest buzz!
