The aim now for the Reds was to protect that invaluable lead.
The defensive qualities of the likes of Phil Neal and Phil Thompson, alongside Ray Clemence between the sticks, were relied upon to nullify the attacking threat of Dutch duo Johan Neeskens and Cruyff. Their clean sheet was preserved and Liverpool took a slim lead to Anfield.
A fortnight later, Barça arrived at L4 for the return leg but with a new manager in the dugout.
Hennes Weisweiler left his position following a breakdown in his relationship with club icon Cruyff. Laureano Ruiz was the replacement.
More than 55,000 fans packed Anfield to see the Reds finish the job and reach the final for the second time, having won it under Bill Shankly in 1973.
Thompson's opener early in the second half doubled Liverpool's aggregate lead, though the Spanish visitors responded immediately through Carlos Rexach.
Regardless, the home side held on to advance to the showpiece, where they would prevail against Club Brugge over two legs.
The 4-3 aggregate victory over Brugge meant Paisley's Reds followed up their First Division triumph to complete a double.