For the second time in four years, Liverpool and Everton had both made it to the FA Cup final, but with tragedy at Hillsborough just five weeks in the past there were serious doubts as to whether the game should go ahead. The fans, though, made it clear to the club they wanted to go. And so Liverpool went, combining with their local rivals to put on one of the most dramatic FA Cup finals in history. Six days later they would lose the league title to Arsenal on goal differential, but that was for the future—all that really mattered that afternoon at Wembley was the game's ability to distract, to entertain, and to provide a sense of community and fellowship at a difficult time for those in attendance, no matter their allegiance.
Riding the emotion the match kicked off on, Liverpool came out firing, and when John Aldridge broke clear on goal inside four minutes and finished into the top corner the side in red looked unstoppable. Soon, though, the tension began to grow, and with Liverpool unable to find a second Everton began their hunt for an equalising goal. However, despite Everton's best efforts, as the match wore along it seemed more and more likely Aldridge's early goal would be just enough for Liverpool to carry the day. Then, with the final kick of regulation, Everton's Stuart McCall found the back of the net on a mad scramble in front of Bruce Grobbelaar, sending the game to extra time.
Early in the added period, Ian Rush would score one of Liverpool's iconic goals, taking an early cross on his chest in the penalty area and swivelling to hit it into the roof of the net on the half-volley. It wasn't enough to win Liverpool the match: In the 102nd minute McCall would get his second of the night for Everton. But a mere two minutes later, Rush would score his second, and this time Liverpool would hold on to their lead to capture a fourth FA Cup.