12 May 1965: a historic 3 - 0 victory over Liverpool

MILAN – The greatest victories don’t necessarily have to directly result in a trophy. When it comes to Inter, there have been nights that have served as a prelude to cup success, unforgettable evenings which have gone down in history due to the importance of the occasion and the feat achieved.

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The night of 12 May 1965 will forever remain one of the most magical and unique evenings in the Club’s history. On this day 55 years ago, it finished Inter 3-0 Liverpool. In order to really get a sense of the magnitude of that victory, more than words are required. Looking at the photos and watching the highlights, which can be found at the bottom of this article, are a must.

The two sides were facing off in the second leg of their semi-final showdown in the European Cup, a competition that Inter were looking to win for the second consecutive year. The first leg in England, however, hadn’t gone to plan, with Liverpool running out 3-1 winners. Something exceptional was required. At San Siro, Helenio Herrera’s team reminded the world why they’d earned the nickname “la Grande Inter”.

The comeback began after eight minutes thanks to ‘God’s left foot’, Mario Corso, who sent the Nerazzurri fans into raptures with a wonderful free kick. The best possible start. Just a minute later, with Inter riding on a wave of positivity, Joaquim Peirò scored in legendary style. Following his passing a few weeks ago, we said goodbye to an icon of that side by describing exactly what happened that evening.

And then there was the magnificent goal to make it 3-0, one of the most symbolic scored by that team. Starting from a defensive position, Giacinto Facchetti forayed forward without the ball. Upon reaching the edge of the opposition box, he finally received it. It was then that he unleashed an unstoppable right-footed strike so powerful that it hit the back of the net and bounced back out.

That historic victory secured qualification to the European Cup final for the second year in a row. The final would take place on 27 May 1965, and Jair’s goal against Benfica at San Siro would prove decisive.

INTER 3-0 LIVERPOOL Goalscorers: Corso 8′, Peirò 9′; Facchetti 62’

Inter: Sarti; Burgnich, Facchetti; Bedin, Guarneri, Picchi; Jair, Mazzola, Peirò, Suarez, Corso.Coach: Herrera.

Liverpool: Lawrence; Lawler, Moran; Strong, Yeats, Stevenson; Callaghan, Hunt, St. John, Smith, Thompson.Coach: Shankly.Referee: Ortiz de Mendebille (Spain).