On February 18th 1998, Middlesbrough overcame a first-leg deficit to dump Liverpool out of the Coca-Cola Cup at the semi-final stage. Paul Merson and Marco Branca scored the goals that day and booked a Wembley trip for the Teessiders.
The club has shared the highlights of that famous night at the Riverside via their official website and it’s prompted these supporters to share their memories of the fixture.
Was the victory over Liverpool the greatest ever at the Riverside?
Yes
No
Next to the Steaua match, this was the best atmosphere I’ve experienced at the Riverside – it was absolutely buzzing!
— Chris Pearson (@Boro_Brick_Road) February 18, 2020
The noise, the atmosphere that night was unbelievable. I still get the hairs on the back of my neck standing on end watching clips like this. Three nights I will never forget – Stuea, Basel and Liverpool. I’m blessed to have experienced those nights.
— Ian Smith (@Dubainosaurus) February 18, 2020
My ears were ringing for about 3 days after this game.
— Hector (@Hector22406362) February 18, 2020
Happy days ?????
— philip stone (@smoggie1) February 18, 2020
In my top five best ever Boro nights, I can remember the whole night, where I sat where I went after for beer etc
— MarkWilson (@markwilson1961) February 18, 2020
Unbelievable night this was, definitely up there with the top nights at the Riverside
— Teessider Laurence (@LaurenceIAnson1) February 18, 2020
What do we think?
Unfortunately, Boro went on to lose the final to Chelsea at Wembley but despite the unhappy ending, it’s a night that will live long in the memories of the club’s supporters, some of whom believe it’s one of their greatest nights ever.
In our opinion, Jonathan Woodgate’s current group aren’t anywhere near the same level as Bryan Robson’s side of 1998 and reaching such a prestigious final again feels a long way off at present.