The last time Birmingham City faced Liverpool was April 2011. Blues were trounced 5-0 by the Reds at Anfield on that day, with Birmingham yet to return to the promised land of the English Premier League.
As a matter of fact, Blues have a serious battle on their hands this season to retain their EFL Championship status. After a promising start to the campaign, multiple manager changes have seen City slump down the table into relegation trouble.
As for Liverpool, they are preparing to embark on life without Jurgen Klopp, who departs this summer. The Liverpool next manager debates continue to rage on after the announcement that Xabi Alonso will remain in charge of German Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen for the 2024/25 season.
Although Blues are nowhere near in the same league as Liverpool today, there’ve been plenty of intense battles between the two clubs over the years. Below, we’ll explore three of the best match-ups in history.
February 2001, Birmingham 1-1 Liverpool (4-5 on Penalties), League Cup Final
The Blues’ clash with Liverpool in Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium was an eagerly anticipated affair. It was the first League Cup Final to be staged outside of Wembley, following the redevelopment of England’s home stadium.
Birmingham were surprise finalists due to their First Division status. Nevertheless, they showed immense character against Gerard Houllier’s side. They stayed within one goal of the Reds and even levelled with a stoppage time penalty from Darren Purse. The game went to penalties and Andrew Johnson turned out to be the Blues’ villain, missing the crucial sixth spot kick.
January 1995, Liverpool 1-1 Birmingham, FA Cup 3rd Round Replay
Birmingham secured a FA Cup 3rd Round replay at Anfield after a goalless draw at St Andrew’s – City’s home ground which was overlooked as the potential home for Birmingham’s 2022 Commonwealth Games bid. They travelled to Liverpool for the replay with boss, Barry Fry, at the helm. City, who were Second Division leaders at the time, struck a dramatic leveller via Ricky Otto and the game went to extra time and penalties.
Unfortunately for Blues, three of their four spot kicks were missed and the other saved by David James. Jamie Redknapp and Stig Inge Bjornebye scored their respective penalty kicks to send Liverpool through 2-0 on penalties.
December 1954, Birmingham 9-1 Liverpool, Division Two
We’ve saved the best for last if you’re a Blues fan. We’re going back to the winter of 1954. Liverpool travelled to St Andrew’s for a Division Two clash in front of just over 17,000 spectators.
Little did the Blues fans know that they were going to witness a ten-goal thriller, with nine goals ending up in the Reds’ net. City were 4-1 up inside the opening half hour, before a trio of goals in the final 15 minutes added immense gloss to the scoreline for a Birmingham side managed by Arthur Turner.