Alaves own goal earns Liverpool 5-4 victory in UEFA Cup final

Liverpool completed an unprecedented treble here last evening when an own goal from Alaves' Delfi Geli gave the English giants victory in the greatest UEFA Cup final of all time.

Geli headed in a free-kick from ageless Scot Gary McAllister on 117 minutes to hand Liverpool an astonishing 5-4 triumph in a drama-filled match that also saw two Alaves players sent off.

The triumph for Gerard Houllier's men at Westfalenstadion sealed a historic hat-trick of trophies for the Anfield giants, following their successful FA Cup and League Cup campaigns earlier this season.

It also wrote another epic chapter in Liverpool's rich European history following their glory days of the 1970s and 1980s.

"We played for immortality today because people will remember this match," a delighted Houllier said after the win, Liverpool's first triumph in Europe since 1984.

"We were strong and determined to win the trophy and I think it showed. Even before extra time they were mentally and physically solid, they were ready for penalties, they were ready for anything.

On winning the treble, Houllier added: "You enjoy victory more when it's tough, just ask Manchester United when they won the Champions League. To win these three trophies in the same year, they have made history."

Jose Manuel Mane, Houllier's opposite number, said: "We played with bite and passion and really gave our best and that's why the players were exhausted afterwards. We gave our utmost to work hard and gain the right result".