Liverpool reached the FA Cup final with a 3–0 victory over Everton at Maine Road on 27 April 1977. Phil Neal scored a first-half penalty, with Jimmy Case and Ray Kennedy adding late goals to settle the replay and confirm a meeting with Manchester United at Wembley on 21 May.
Four days earlier, the clubs had drawn 2–2 at the same ground. Liverpool had twice lost the lead and survived Bryan Hamilton's disallowed effort. This time they kept a clean sheet, although the final margin concealed how long Neal's penalty remained the only goal.
Steve Heighway was absent, with David Johnson joining Kevin Keegan and David Fairclough in the starting side. Everton retained the eleven who had begun the first match. Ian Callaghan was Liverpool's substitute but was not required.
Liverpool altered their approach to the threat Everton had posed. Their defenders pushed forward, reducing the space in which high deliveries could cause trouble, and Duncan McKenzie found opponents closing around him near the penalty area. Fairclough operated mainly from the left, while Johnson's runs through the centre gave Everton a different problem.
The breakthrough came after half an hour. Clive Thomas judged that Mike Pejic had pushed Johnson as they challenged for a high ball. Neal converted the penalty, putting Liverpool ahead at the interval.
Everton could find no equaliser. McKenzie appealed after meeting Clemence as the goalkeeper came out, but Thomas awarded an indirect free-kick rather than a penalty.
The decisive second goal began with Tommy Smith carrying the ball forward and passing left to Fairclough. His delivery reached Case, who scored. Kennedy then finished at the second attempt following Keegan's free-kick.
Case and Kennedy struck in the closing minutes, turning a narrow lead into a three-goal victory before 52,579 spectators. Liverpool's FA Cup campaign now had one match remaining. The semi-final had required two attempts, but the second had delivered Wembley.