1981 European Cup Final: Adidas 'Stole' Liverpool from Umbro

In the 1981 European Cup final, Adidas, led by Horst Dassler, managed to snatch Liverpool from Umbro. Umbro had sponsored Liverpool during their European triumphs in 1977 and 1978.

The death of John Humphreys, head of Umbro, in 1979, created an opportunity for Adidas. In the 1981 final, Dassler succeeded in having the manufacturers' logos covered, but Adidas' three stripes were visible on Real Madrid's jerseys.

Liverpool was forced to cover the Umbro logo with tape. Nine of Liverpool's eleven players wore Adidas shoes. In 1985, Liverpool signed a deal with Adidas.

On the field, Liverpool defeated Real Madrid 1-0 with a goal by Alan Kennedy.