Independiente qualified by winning the primary South American cup competition, the Copa Libertadores.

They won the 1983–84 European Cup by beating Italian team A.S. Roma 4–2 in a penalty shoot-out after the match finished 1–1.

They beat Roma 4–2 in a penalty shoot-out after the match finished 1–1 to win their fourth European Cup.

[2] Liverpool's last match before the Intercontinental Cup was against Coventry City in the 1984–85 Football League First Division.

[3] The last match Independiente played before the Intercontinental Cup was against Rosario Central in the 1984 Argentine Primera División, which they lost 1–0.

Moments later Liverpool midfielder Jan Mølby tackled Enrique late, which prompted the referee to award a free kick.

[7] Following the goal, Independiente under instruction from their manager José Omar Pastoriza, began to sit back in their own half inviting Liverpool to attack them.

Their plan worked as Liverpool were unable to break down their defence, while their strikers Percudani and Alejandro Barberón counter-attacked when Independiente received the ball.

Wark's efforts trying to engineer an equalising goal resulted in him being substituted for Ronnie Whelan in the 76th minute, due to fatigue.

[6] Despite being the better team for the majority of the match, Liverpool were unable to beat the Independiente defence, with their shooting in front of goal being the culprit.