Goodison's Greatest Night

EVERTON 3 BAYERN MUNICH 1

April 24th, 1985

The 1984-85 season was gathering pace at a phenomenal rate. The 'treble' of League Championship, FA Cup and European Cup Winnersb' Cup was still very much in sight when the German giants of Bayern Munich came to Goodison on April 24^th.

The first leg of the ECWC semi-final at the Olympic Stadium, Munich, ended in a 0-0 draw so the stage was set for a thrilling return on Merseyside.

Andy Gray scores against Bayern Munich

Goodison was packed to the rafters well before the kick-off and the atmosphere was electric as Kevin Ratcliffe led the players out for their night of destiny.

Dieter Hoeness silenced the vociferous home crowd in the 37^th minute when he gave the visitors the lead but an inspired half-time team talk from Howard Kendall and an increase in volume from the magnificent supporters provided a platform for the most dramatic second half of football in Everton's history.

Graeme Sharp and Andy Gray never gave the Bayern defenders a moment's peace as they chased every single pass played forward and by the end of the night, the Germans has been pummelled into submission.

Andy Gray celebrates his vital goal

Sharp equalised just three minutes after the restart and then Andy Gray fired Everton ahead on 72. The place erupted and from then on in there was only ever going to be one outcome. Everton poured forward and Trevor Steven wrapped it all up with a clinically taken effort just four minutes from time.

Bayern coach Udo Lattek, had been somewhat critical of Everton's physical approach to the game but after the final whistle he was gracious enough to concede that the Toffees were 'the best team in Europe'.

High praise indeed from one of the most respected coaches in the continent but then it was a very special evening!