Liverpool lost 2–0 to Widzew Łódź in the first leg of their European Cup quarter-final on 2 March 1983. Mirosław Tłokiński and substitute Wiesław Wraga scored after half-time at the ŁKS Stadium, giving the Polish champions a two-goal advantage to defend at Anfield.
Widzew threatened early, with Bruce Grobbelaar coming out to block Andrzej Grębosz. Liverpool then settled, Mark Lawrenson helping contain the home attacks, and reached half-time at 0–0.
The opening goal came soon after the restart. Grobbelaar tried to gather a high cross from the left with one hand but dropped the ball. Tłokiński turned and drove it into the net.
Liverpool attacked in response. Alan Kennedy pushed forward from left-back, threatening with shots and crosses, while Ian Rush went close. Widzew goalkeeper Józef Młynarczyk and his defence kept the lead intact.
With ten minutes remaining, Widzew struck on the break. Włodzimierz Smolarek released Grębosz down the left and his deep cross found Wraga, whose firm header beat Grobbelaar. The substitute had doubled the lead soon after coming on.
Liverpool still threatened an away goal. Młynarczyk saved from Rush and Grębosz headed Ronnie Whelan's effort off the line, preserving the 2–0 score.
The return was on 16 March. Liverpool would need at least two goals merely to bring the tie level, and any Widzew away goal would make their task harder still.