Madrid: Ernesto Valverde wanted to keep Barcelona’s feet on the ground after their 3-0 win over Liverpool so he hit his players where it hurt. As these giants of global football, Liverpool and Barcelona clash in the second-leg of the UEFA Champions league, at the Anifield Stadium on Tuesday, the focus is sure for some good game of these two European football who have an awe-inspiring history when it comes to the biggest club competition in EFTurope. The prospect of watching this Liverpool side go up against Lionel Messi’s Barcelona did make many football enthusiasts drool simply because of the attacking prowess of both these sides.
The dice is in favour of the Messi-led Spanish side, Barcelona, with Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino doubtful starters, is never a good thing for the hosts. Unfortunately for the Kops, things didn’t turn out as per the plan, as they were humbled by Lionel Messi and company at Camp Nou. While both sides were evenly impressive on paper, things turned out to be one-sided when the scoreline is referred to. Liverpool does possess one of the brightest and most talented squads in Europe, and if their performances under Jurgen Klopp is put into perspective, then it might not be long for the Reds to reach the pinnacle of football once more.
A 3-0 win is pretty huge for La Blaugrana and many might say they have one foot in the final, but ardent Liverpool fans won’t be too keen about that and neither will Jurgen Klopp. The former Borussia Dortmund manager has brought the swagger back to the Merseyside club and his charisma has been key to Liverpool’s resurgence. While overcoming a 3 goal deficit is a tough task, considering the spirit of Klopp and the potential of his side, this task is not at all impossible. “And of course last year we had a three-goal advantage in the quarter-finals. And we were knocked out.”
Valverde knows that loss to Roma still rankles with his players, barely a week passing without one of them referencing the game that defined their season last year and could yet shape this one too. The tie looked over after a 4-1 thrashing at Camp Nou only for a 3-0 loss in Rome to complete one of the great Champions League comebacks and send the Italians into the semis. There are reasons why Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool will be optimistic for the second leg against Barcelona The Reds are lethal at home There is not doubt Liverpool have been outstanding at home, and this Jurgen Klopp’s outfit is no different. They have upset the apple cart of big names of England as well as Europe in the likes of Manchester United, PSG, Bayern Munich, Chelsea, etc, and the list goes on.
Amazing facts about Anifield
Anfield was originally the home of Everton, but they fell out with the owners over the rent they were being charged and moved to Goodison Park in 1891. Which is why this site doesn’t have a completely different name!
Liverpool may be known as The Reds today, but their original strip was actually blue and white quarters.
The Merseyside derby between Liverpool and Everton may be known as ‘The Friendly Derby’ but it’s still produced more red cards than any other fixture in the league.
In the history of the club, Liverpool’s worst record is against Man United with a win percentage of just 32%. Of the clubs currently in the Premier League, their best winning record is 73% versus Watford.
Xavi Alonso held the record for longest Premier League goal by an outfield player (63 yards against Newcastle) until former Red Charlie Adam popped one in from 66 yards when playing for Stoke against Chelsea.
Forbes Magazine recently valued Liverpool at £1.4 billion. That means even if you won the world record lottery jackpot you could barely afford a quarter of the club!
