Bayern held off Hamburg for another domestic title and access to the 1981–82 European Cup, and went all the way to the final in Rotterdam. In a surprise outcome, the final was lost to English opposition, but rather than holders Liverpool (eliminated by CSKA Sofia who had then lost to Bayern) the victors were surprise package Aston Villa, who had never been in contention for a continental final previously and would never be again in the decades to follow, had changed manager a few months before the final and finished 11th in their domestic league, the lowest ever position by a European champion (surpassing Bayern's own 10th place in 1975). Bayern were unable to get past Villa's defence despite the Birmingham side having to substitute experienced goalkeeper Jimmy Rimmer with rookie Nigel Spink in the opening minutes. Along with Rummenigge, Bernd Dürnberger and Udo Horsmann were survivors from the 1976 final.