Liverpool's attempt to win the League championship, FA Cup and European Cup ended at Wembley on 21 May 1977. Manchester United won the FA Cup final 2–1, with all three goals arriving in a brief spell early in the second half. Jimmy Case's equaliser separated Stuart Pearson's opener from the decisive goal credited to Jimmy Greenhoff.
Bob Paisley's side arrived as League champions. Their European Cup final against Borussia Mönchengladbach was four days away in Rome. United, managed by Tommy Docherty, were returning to the final after losing to Southampton the previous year.
Liverpool had opportunities before the scoring began. Ray Kennedy directed a header towards the corner, but Alex Stepney kept it out with his foot. At the other end, Ray Clemence had to turn a dangerous Gordon Hill delivery onto the crossbar. The teams reached half-time at 0–0.
United broke through soon after the restart. Jimmy Greenhoff's header released Pearson, whose shot beat Clemence at the near post. Liverpool equalised soon afterwards. Joey Jones delivered from the left and Case controlled, turned and struck a half-volley past Stepney.
The equaliser did not settle the game in Liverpool's favour. Lou Macari advanced in support of Jimmy Greenhoff and shot; the ball struck his team-mate and looped beyond Clemence. Greenhoff was credited with the goal which restored United's advantage.
Paisley sent on Ian Callaghan for David Johnson as Liverpool sought another equaliser. United's defence held, with Martin Buchan and Brian Greenhoff central to the resistance. Liverpool could not turn their remaining opportunities into the goal that would have prolonged the final.
Wembley therefore removed the FA Cup from Liverpool's reach. The League title was secure and a European final remained to be played, but the three-trophy ambition was over. The immediate task was to prepare for Borussia Mönchengladbach with only four days between the two finals.