Dave Beasant famous 1–0 win. "...and he saved it - and made history - the first time ever when a penalty kick is not been converted in the FA Cup Final here", yelled BBC's John Motson into the microphone. He was also the first goalkeeper to captain his team in an FA Cup final. His ability to kick the ball some considerable distance fitted in well with the style of play Wimbledon were known for in the 1980s, nor was he afraid to move out of the area and upfield before kicking the ball, or to take free kicks. As a result,
2001 UEFA Cup Final their first season in European courtesy of a 9–2 aggregate victory. Liverpool went into the match having already won two trophies during the 2000–01 season. Their first trophy was the Football League Cup which they had won in February defeating Birmingham City 5–4 in a penalty shoot-out after the match had finished 1–1. The second trophy was the FA Cup, which they won 2–1. They entered the match with the opportunity to win an unprecedented Treble. Liverpool were appearing in their third UEFA Cup final, both their previous appearances in the final in 1973 and 1976 had resulted in victory.