23 August 1995 - Like A Phoenix Rising From The Ashes

On 23 August 1995, the former Heysel Stadium hosted a football match for the first time in almost ten years, as Germany beat Belgium in a friendly.

Originally opened on 23 August 1930, the stadium was the location of one of football's greatest tragedies when it hosted the 1985 European Cup Final between Juventus and Liverpool. Approximately an hour before kick-off, a retaining wall collapsed, leaving 600 people injured and killing 39 others.

It was the last football match played at the stadium for several years, though it continued to be used for other events. By 1995, however, it had undergone a $50 million renovation and re-opened as the home of the Belgian national team.

For the first match in the new structure, renamed King Baudouin Stadium, Belgium hosted Germany in a friendly. A crowd of 33,000 watched as the Germans won 1-2 with goals from Andreas Möller (6') and Fredi Bobic (84'). Belgium's lone goal was provided by Michaël Goossens (17').

23 August 1995 - Like A Phoenix Rising From The Ashes

On 23 August 1995, the former Heysel Stadium hosted a football match for the first time in almost ten years, as Germany beat Belgium in a friendly.

Originally opened on 23 August 1930, the stadium was the location of one of football's greatest tragedies when it hosted the 1985 European Cup Final between Juventus and Liverpool. Approximately an hour before kick-off, a retaining wall collapsed, leaving 600 people injured and killing 39 others.

It was the last football match played at the stadium for several years, though it continued to be used for other events. By 1995, however, it had undergone a $50 million renovation and re-opened as the home of the Belgian national team.

For the first match in the new structure, renamed King Baudouin Stadium, Belgium hosted Germany in a friendly. A crowd of 33,000 watched as the Germans won 1-2 with goals from Andreas Möller (6') and Fredi Bobic (84'). Belgium's lone goal was provided by Michaël Goossens (17').

23 August 1995 - Like A Phoenix Rising From The Ashes

On 23 August 1995, the former Heysel Stadium hosted a football match for the first time in almost ten years, as Germany beat Belgium in a friendly.

Originally opened on 23 August 1930, the stadium was the location of one of football's greatest tragedies when it hosted the 1985 European Cup Final between Juventus and Liverpool. Approximately an hour before kick-off, a retaining wall collapsed, leaving 600 people injured and killing 39 others.

It was the last football match played at the stadium for several years, though it continued to be used for other events. By 1995, however, it had undergone a $50 million renovation and re-opened as the home of the Belgian national team.

For the first match in the new structure, renamed King Baudouin Stadium, Belgium hosted Germany in a friendly. A crowd of 33,000 watched as the Germans won 1-2 with goals from Andreas Möller (6') and Fredi Bobic (84'). Belgium's lone goal was provided by Michaël Goossens (17').

2 June 1985 - Hooligans Get A Looooong Time Out

On 2 June 1985, the governing body of European football, UEFA, banned English clubs from participating in European competitions.

UEFA enacted the ban in response to the Heysel Stadium disaster four days prior. On 29 May, at the 1985 European Cup Final between Liverpool and Juventus at Heysel Stadium in Brussels, some Liverpool supporters breached a wall separating them from the Juventus supporters and charged at them. The Juventus fans retreated against a retaining wall, which collapsed, injuring approximately 600 people. 39 people died from their injuries.

The English Football Association, in response to pressure from Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, had already issued its own ban on 29 May to prevent English clubs from playing in Europe. UEFA's ban was thus not particularly surprising, nor even entirely unwelcome in England. In fact, English FA Secretary Ted Croker lauded UEFA's decision, stating "There are many of us who don't want to see us back in Europe until we have our own house in order."

Although UEFA initially announced that the ban was to be indefinite, it lasted only five years for all English clubs except Liverpool, who were banned for a sixth year due to the club's role in the disaster.

Since the ban was lifted, English clubs have won the European Cup/Champions League Final only three times - Manchester United in 1999 and 2008, and Liverpool in 2005 - though four other sides - Arsenal (2006), Liverpool (2007), Chelsea (2008), and Manchester United (2009) - have advanced to the Final.