Charity Shield 1978 vs Liverpool
The only European champions to have won the continent's top prize more often than their domestic league.
Nottingham Forest Football Club is a professional football club based in West Bridgford, Nottinghamshire, England. The club competes in the top tier of English football. Founded in 1865, Nottingham Forest have played their home games at the City Ground since 1898. The club has won two European Cups, one UEFA Super Cup, one League title, two FA Cups, four League Cups, and one FA Charity Shield.
- competition
- Charity Shield (now Community Shield)
- date
- 19 August 1978
- venue
- Old Trafford, Manchester
- opponent
- Liverpool F.C.
- result
- 0-0 Draw (Forest won on penalties 5-4)
- key_figure
- Brian Clough (Manager)
Lore & Background
Forest's most successful period came under Brian Clough and Peter Taylor in the late 1970s and early 1980s, with back-to-back European Cup triumphs in 1979 and 1980. In Clough's final decade, Forest won the 1989 and 1990 League Cups. They were losing finalists in the 1991 FA Cup final and 1992 League Cup final, before relegation from the Premier League in 1993. Forest finished third in the Premier League in 1995, suffered relegation again in 1997 and 1999, and returned by winning the play-offs in 2022.
In Their Own Story
The floodlights at Old Trafford hummed against the Manchester evening sky, casting long shadows over the pristine grass where two sets of red kits clashed. The air was thick with tension; every tackle from Forest's midfield felt heavier than usual, knowing that Liverpool's Kevin Keegan was waiting to punish any mistake. In the penalty shootout, the roar of the crowd faded into a muffled hum for the Forest players as they stepped up to the spot, their hearts pounding in rhythm with the ticking clock.
Reader's Guide
Nottingham Forest's main rivalry is with Derby County, with whom they contest the East Midlands derby. The Brian Clough Trophy has been awarded to the winner since 2007.
Did You Know?
- Forest is the only team in Europe to have won the European Cup or Champions League more often than the domestic championship.
- Forest donated a set of football kits to help Arsenal establish themselves; the North London team still wear red.
- Forest's baseball club were British champions in 1899.
- Forest won the 1978 League Cup final against Liverpool in March 1978, before the Charity Shield.
- Forest won the 1979 League Cup final.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the outcome of the 1978 Charity Shield match?
Nottingham Forest drew 0-0 with Liverpool at Old Trafford before securing victory in a penalty shootout. The Reds from Nottingham won the shoot-out 5-4 to claim the trophy.
Who managed Nottingham Forest during this iconic fixture?
The team was guided by manager Brian Clough and his assistant Peter Taylor. Their leadership helped establish Forest as serious contenders immediately after winning the League title.
Where and when did the 1978 Charity Shield take place?
The match occurred on August 19, 1978, at Old Trafford in Manchester. It served as a major statement of intent for Forest following their historic league triumph.
Why is this match considered important for Nottingham Forest?
It validated the club's meteoric rise by proving they could compete with England's most powerful team, Liverpool. The win signaled that Forest were serious contenders for future European glory.
How was the trophy decided if the score remained level?
After a tense goalless draw in regular time, the competition was settled by a penalty shootout. Nottingham Forest emerged victorious with a 5-4 win over their northern rivals.
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