Pre Match - Liverpool FC v Atletico Madrid - CL Last 16 (11.03.20 20.00GMT KO)

Champions League Last 16

Liverpool v Atletico Madrid

We go into Wednesday's game against Atletico on the back of one previous win out of five meetings in total, and even that felt like a defeat. A 2-1 victory at home in 2010, overshadowed by a crucial away goal scored in extra time by none other than Diego Forlan. Returning to once again make himself the scourge of Anfield, a whole 8 years after he initially broke Liverpool hearts for Manchester United (albeit generously aided by Jerzy Dudek). The goal denied Liverpool a place in the Uefa Cup final and a possible swansong for then manager, Rafael Benitez. On the face of things you could draw a few similarities with then and now, Liverpool playing the second leg at Anfield, trailing by one goal to nil after a frustrating evening in Madrid. Although I must add that Liverpool finished 7th in the Premier League that season on 63 points. A whole 19 behind where we are currently, with still 2 months of the season (Corona epedemic depending) to play. We lost more Premier League games in October that season than we have in the last two campaigns combined.



Reds everywhere will be holding their breath between now & about 7PM Wednesday evening, crossing their fingers & toes in hope that captain Jordan Henderson is able to return to the lineup after missing the last few games with injury. Goalkeeper Alisson Becker has already been ruled out, which will hopefully not be too much of a loss in real life as it would be on paper, largely due to the fact I don't see Atletico venturing far further than their own penalty box for the majority of the game. Anfield will need to be summoned once again and it will come to life, as it does every time it's called upon. Saturday's lunchtime kickoff against Bournemouth will feel a million miles away from the cauldron of noise the Atletico players are to be greeted with on Wednesday evening.



I think there'll be two factors that depending on which way they go, could make the difference or become our downfall.

1 - The referee We had a taste in the first leg the antics that Atletico are going to no doubt bring and we'll need a strong, experienced referee to be able to control the match.

2 - The spell after (touch wood) we score I think we'll score a goal, whether we're 1-0 behind when we do, or whether it's in the 75th minute, I'm pretty sure we'll score at least one. We then need to capitalize on that. Get a goal and the volume of the Marshall amplifier that is the Kop will crank up from 10 to 11. This is when Atletico will be at their most vulnerable, if we can up the ante in this period (a la second half v Barcelona, first half v Manchester City) we can really go on to do the business.

We've never lost a European knockout tie under Jürgen Klopp. A phenomenal record that goes right back to 2016. In fact, Jürgen has reached a European final in 4 of his last 6 attempts as a manager - as he also managed a CL final with Dortmund in 2013.

Let's hope Liverpool have put themselves in a position to continue these records come 10PMish Wednesday evening

Up the reds!

Good opener for the game TI. I for one am already nervous for this one.
Let's hope the ref is strong, and the front 3 are on fire.
Could be a long nail biting night.
C'mon the Redmen.

Good opener for the game TI. I for one am already nervous for this one.
Let's hope the ref is strong, and the front 3 are on fire.
Could be a long nail biting night.
C'mon the Redmen.

Nerves are good - I'm looking forward to some long awaited competitive (if that's the right word) football. We've just been waiting for the inevitable in the league lately & we can lose 7 out of our next 9 and still wrap it up. It's good that there's finally a real scalp on the line once again & I'm sure the blood will be flowing come 8PM tomorrow!

These havent been great all season and since they beat us have only won once I think. Adrian and back 4 crucial here pretty certain we will score but can we keep it shut at the back

Good OP T-Impala. Love these games, where the pressure is on and the opposition will defend for their lives.

After the antics of the first leg. I cannot wait to watch them cry like Barca did.

2-0 Bobby double.

Sounds likely the CL gets suspended after this round.... so arsed if we go out.

We  know what to expect from this lot come Wednesday,any opportunity to gain an advantage  with there  shithouse antics they will take,anything from tripping over a blade of grass to tripping  over some pigeon sh*t.
Anfield will be bouncing & the players need & will be on it,my main concern is keeping a clean sheet which we haven’t done in quite a while.
will these camp out in there own half or go for it? Personally I think these will go for an away goal so we need to score a few,one thing we need to try an avoid is these scoring first cos then they will camp out in there own half.

Massive game and the type we normally thrive in. I think our form recently is down to a bit of complacency added to the break in rhythm from the winter break and I expect us to be right up for this one.

Back four and front three pick themselves. If Hendo is fit he plays and for me I'd go with Fabinho and Gini.

They are a very different side away from home, we will win this game, only question is will we get a 2 goal margin? I think yes.

BTW do we know who the referee will be, hopefully its someone with experience who won't fall for their cheap tricks.

Another European night at Anfield, the crowd will play a big part in this match. Atletico are no pushovers but I think we'll finish the game with them wishing they had scored more in the first leg.

Who is the referee? Do we know what he's like?

Someone posted this on another forum -

Referee
Danny Makkelie (NED)

Assistant referees
Mario Diks (NED)
Hessel Steegstra (NED)

​​Fourth official
Allard Lindhout (NED)

Video Assistant Referee
Jochem Kamphuis (NED)

Assistant Video Assistant Referee
Kevin Blom (NED)



This Ref has Ref'd three of our CL matches:

13/09/17  Group stage  Liverpool 2 v 2 Sevilla

17/04/19 Quarter Final  Porto 1 v 4 Liverpool

10/12/19  Group stage Salzburg 0 v 2 Liverpool


For Atletico he has also ref'd three of their matches:

28/07/11 Europa League  3rdQF.. Atletico 2 v 1 Stromsgodset

05/15/17 Group stage Chelsea 1 v 1 Atletico

18/09/19 Group stage Atletico 2 v 2 Juventus

I think they will look for the away goal in the first 10-15 mins. If they dont get it they will park the bus for the rest of the game.

Hopefully Hendo is fit. I would go with Hendo, Gini and Keita in midfield. The rest of the side picks itself.

I think they will look for the away goal in the first 10-15 mins. If they dont get it they will park the bus for the rest of the game.

Hopefully Hendo is fit. I would go with Hendo, Gini and Keita in midfield. The rest of the side picks itself.

Henderson has been training normally since Sunday so he should be fit.

I think they will look for the away goal in the first 10-15 mins. If they dont get it they will park the bus for the rest of the game.

Hopefully Hendo is fit. I would go with Hendo, Gini and Keita in midfield. The rest of the side picks itself.

Think they will start deep and keep it as tight as possible. First 10-15 they will be doubling up and try to overcome the first waves of attack from us. Any sorties into our half will be limitted. Be that way throughout the first half. They will only come out if we score early, but even then they will defend deep.

Very tense game, tough one to call..3-1.

Someone posted this on another forum -

Referee
Danny Makkelie (NED)

Assistant referees
Mario Diks (NED)
Hessel Steegstra (NED)

​​Fourth official
Allard Lindhout (NED)

Video Assistant Referee
Jochem Kamphuis (NED)

Assistant Video Assistant Referee
Kevin Blom (NED)



This Ref has Ref'd three of our CL matches:

13/09/17  Group stage  Liverpool 2 v 2 Sevilla

17/04/19 Quarter Final  Porto 1 v 4 Liverpool

10/12/19  Group stage Salzburg 0 v 2 Liverpool


For Atletico he has also ref'd three of their matches:

28/07/11 Europa League  3rdQF.. Atletico 2 v 1 Stromsgodset

05/15/17 Group stage Chelsea 1 v 1 Atletico

18/09/19 Group stage Atletico 2 v 2 Juventus

The Dutch normally don't stand for that kind of bollocks which Atletico try to pull

United playing behind closed doors tomorrow. Same for PSG & Dortmund. After this I can't see us playing another European Game (with spectators at least) for quite a while.

United playing behind closed doors tomorrow. Same for PSG & Dortmund. After this I can't see us playing another European Game (with spectators at least) for quite a while.

As much as United would love to be in the CL, they're in the EL so their game is on Thursday.

I think we will see some of our matches behind closed doors as well, would be a shame for the fans but at least the football would still be carrying on.

Someone posted this on another forum -

Referee
Danny Makkelie (NED)

Assistant referees
Mario Diks (NED)
Hessel Steegstra (NED)

​​Fourth official
Allard Lindhout (NED)

Video Assistant Referee
Jochem Kamphuis (NED)

Assistant Video Assistant Referee
Kevin Blom (NED)



This Ref has Ref'd three of our CL matches:

13/09/17  Group stage  Liverpool 2 v 2 Sevilla

17/04/19 Quarter Final  Porto 1 v 4 Liverpool

10/12/19  Group stage Salzburg 0 v 2 Liverpool


For Atletico he has also ref'd three of their matches:

28/07/11 Europa League  3rdQF.. Atletico 2 v 1 Stromsgodset

05/15/17 Group stage Chelsea 1 v 1 Atletico

18/09/19 Group stage Atletico 2 v 2 Juventus

Looked at the match report for Chelsea vs Atletico and I see no mention of officiating. Let's hope it's like that for us Wednesday night. If we're not talking about referees, that's a good thing.

Posted at 13:3413:34
Post update
Liverpool v Atletico Madrid (Wednesday, 20:00 GMT)

Liverpool will not want anything to ruin their imminent coronation, and they are taking all of the necessary steps to prevent the spread of coronavirus in their media room at Anfield...

https://twitter.com/jamesmountford0/status/1237365888438939648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1237365888438939648&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bbc.co.uk%2Fsport%2Flive%2Ffootball%2F51813756

I'm so f**king old, this world's f**king bizarre.

 I'm just waiting for the presser to start on the official YouTube channel and there's a chat bit, bizarrely full of non Liverpool fans talking sh*t but there's a little dollar sign at the bottom and when you click on it you can send a sticker into the chat (I think) and they start at £3, 3 f**king £ to send an imaginary thing to a load of bell ends but it gets worse there's two stickers that are £50! What the actual f**k!

Always easier to spend money if you can't touch it or see it.

But agree, funny old world we're in...

As much as United would love to be in the CL, they're in the EL so their game is on Thursday.

I think we will see some of our matches behind closed doors as well, would be a shame for the fans but at least the football would still be carrying on.

Things develop quickly with this, look how Italy has escalated from Saturday to today, from playing some games in empty stadia to the entire country being under quarantine and virtual lockdown - no games played at all.

I wouldn't rule out Monday at Goodison being played with no spectators.

@_ChrisBascombe
·
3m
Jordan Henderson is fit to return v Atletico.

@LynchStandard
·
13m
Andy Robertson declares himself fit for tomorrow's game.

@_ChrisBascombe
·
3m
Jordan Henderson is fit to return v Atletico.

@LynchStandard
·
13m
Andy Robertson declares himself fit for tomorrow's game.

That's a big boost for us.

Can't say I'm not a little nervous. Not the team that you'd want to go up against when you need to score some goals. They will park a giant red, white and blue bus in front of their goal and try to hit us on the counter.

That said, I just can't see that we don't score at least 2, just have to keep a clean sheet and we are good.

Alisson out, Henderson available

Jürgen Klopp has confirmed first choice goalkeeper Alisson will not be fit for the upcoming Merseyside derby, or the Champions League last 16 second leg with Atletico Madrid.

However, club captain Jordan Henderson will be ready and available to face Atletico.[/quote]

Asked about potential disruption because of coronavirus, Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp said: “Players at the moment are all healthy. 22 players not shaking hands is not a sign for society. Are we all in the same boat? Whatever will be decided, we will respect (games being cancelled, playing in empty stadiums).

"It’s clear that we will accept that but I don’t know how much sense it will make in this moment. That’s how it is. It’s not about me as a manager, it’s about being a human being. Somethings are more important than football and we realise that in this moment. We need time to find a solution for that. I don’t know enough.”

Liverpool trail their Champions League last 16 tie 1-0 after the first leg, but manager Jürgen Klopp says the Anfield crowd "will be our advantage".

"Not a lot of them [Atletico players] have played at Anfield before and that is what we want to use," he said.

"Our crowd will be our advantage and we have to use it with the performance on the pitch. It has to be exceptional because they defend deep and have counter-attack threat. Each player can be dangerous and they are an experienced team.

"They know how to deal with it all. I have the highest respect for them but there are always ways and we have to find them tomorrow night. We have to show we have really learned from the first half [game]."

NB: Team no longer available

Come on boys! Let's make it a European night to remember!

“You’ve got to move the ball fast in a game like this. When you get the opportunity to really attack Atletico you’ve got to go for it and that means taking risks. You might lose the ball more than normal in trying to force it but it’s about reacting to situations and not allowing them to get organised with 11 men behind the ball." - Jamie Carragher in The Athletic.

If this is what we do hopefully the crowd won't be moaning every time something doesn't work.

I also wonder if they might surprise and really go for goal in the first 10 minutes or so. If they could sneak an early goal like they did in Spain, it puts them in a very strong position for the rest of the match. Especially with a backup goalkeeper in for us they might be tempted,and strong starts haven't exactly been our calling card this year. We need to be switched on from the very beginning.

(Edit: if they do sneak an early goal - then Dortmund 2016 rather than Barcelona 2019 becomes our model.)

I like Adrian but theres no doubt he has been nervy the last two games. I think his inclusion really makes the idea of a clean sheet harder to envisage.

We're going to need goals and plenty I think. We will need the power of Anfield once again that much is clear.

NB: Team no longer available

Sorry, I really wanted Henderson to play but if he is not 100% I won't not play him because we need everyone on their best.

Strangely I’m not all that nervous, what happens will happen and if we don’t go through then we only have ourselves to blame because of how poor we were in the first leg.

But we certainly have the team more than capable of progressing to the next round, it just depends on how much the players want it. In the first leg they didn’t look up for it so in order to progress we need to massively improve mentally from that game and the few that followed it.

Vital we get an early goal because the longer the game goes on then the more they will pack players behind the ball and the more they will waste time with their theatrical bullshit.

Need another massive European night at Anfield. It’s going to be a tough game to get a breakthrough. Need the players and support to deliver a performance that matches that of our comeback vs Barca. Obviously it was different circumstances as we were 3-0 down but IMO this 1-0 scoreline is just as tough because Atletico are a much better and more organised team defensively than Barca. There was also no way Barca were going to try and time waste with Messi and Suarez in their team. Atletico will time waste from the off.

I feel fairly confident we will win, Atletico are not that great away from home, as shown in European ties and their position in the Spanish league, they concede goals.
The first goal is vital, if we score that then we will win this easily, if not we can still win but its gets a lot harder.

I agree with the posters who think Atletico will come out of the traps trying to get the away goal, we have to use that to get the first goal ourselves, we have to be the more dominant team all 90 minutes tomorrow.

I like Adrian but theres no doubt he has been nervy the last two games. I think his inclusion really makes the idea of a clean sheet harder to envisage.

We're going to need goals and plenty I think. We will need the power of Anfield once again that much is clear.

Not if the rest of the team do theyre job and keep the ball away from our goal.

I have a bad feeling about this game

I feel fairly confident we will win, Atletico are not that great away from home, as shown in European ties and their position in the Spanish league, they concede goals.
The first goal is vital, if we score that then we will win this easily, if not we can still win but its gets a lot harder.

I agree with the posters who think Atletico will come out of the traps trying to get the away goal, we have to use that to get the first goal ourselves, we have to be the more dominant team all 90 minutes tomorrow.

They don't lose at home in Europe, we don't lose two-legged ties in Europe. One of those records is safe, I bet the other will be too after tomorrow night.

Not if the rest of the team do theyre job and keep the ball away from our goal.

I just feel we will need a moment like Allis save against Napoli.

I have a bad feeling about this game

So do I - can’t see us winning this

I just feel we will need a moment like Allis save against Napoli.

An early goal for us will help. Everyone in the stadium, from players to the fans, has their own part to play and I'm sure we'll do whatever we can.

We're up against it no doubt and we have to see a big improvement on last few weeks but we can do it but I do think we'll concede a goal.
We could do with scoring 2 in first half hour, that will make them attack more and become more open, I'm going 4-1 to us..

So do I - can’t see us winning this

The lack of away goal is what I’m worried about coming back to get us.

So do I - can’t see us winning this

 

yep,put me in the miserable cu*ts group as well,dunno if it's the virus chat distraction or Simeone and his sh*t defend at all costs tactics or our fear of shooting of recent games.Just not getting good vibes for this one at the moment.

Gonna be close will come down to key moments a great save , costly miss or sh*te refereeing

I think we’ll realy struggle because they will throw themselves to the floor st every minor contact, sometimes none, and the ref will fall for it .

I’m afraid our rhythm and fluency will be lost due th ghiw

I think we’ll realy struggle because they will throw themselves to the floor st every minor contact, sometimes none, and the ref will fall for it .

I’m afraid our rhythm and fluency will be lost due th ghiw

Agreed!

I think if we get that early goal, it’ll feel so different and the players will start to express themselves.

If it goes on and on then it’ll be a tough watch!

Never mind the football I have no idea why more than 3000 fans from one of the fastest increasing rates of Covid 19 in Europe will be allowed into Liverpool.

I'm absolutely dreading this game if I'm honest, I'm trying to remain positive and keep thinking back to last season when we came from 3-0 behind to Barca and no-one gave us a chance that night to overcome them, I've always said that I'd take Liverpool to beat anyone over two legs, but these are devious cheats who will do everything in their power to unsettle us, test the ref and be sneaky and downright horrible as they were in the first leg.

We will need to be very patient and very strong, I'm certain Jürgen will have preached all this and more to the lads, first 15 mins is crucial, we need the full support of the Anfield crowd, I'm absolutely gutted I won't be there, got a ticket but unable to go  I'll just have to send all my support through my TV on the night with my Liverpool shirt and scarf on 

Praying for a win, but it's gonna be a very tight game and hopefully by the end of the evening we are all celebrating a win by our wonderful team and Jürgen pumping up the LFC crowd.

Gonna need Trent to be on point tomorrow from distance and set pieces. Gonna be hard to break them down. They will cheat and IMO the best way to a goal will be from a corner.

I think we’ll realy struggle because they will throw themselves to the floor st every minor contact, sometimes none, and the ref will fall for it .

I’m afraid our rhythm and fluency will be lost due th ghiw

Someone said earlier that Dutch referees generally don’t fall for the theatrics as much as others do.

What the F**k is all this negativity? Did you guys forget what we did to Barca last year, then we were 3 goals down!

What the f**k is all this negativity? Did you guys forget what we did to Barca last year, then we were 3 goals down!

But Barca came to play to their strength. Attacking football. These dirty cheating sly fuckers will just destroy the game.

We have owed a team a spanking all season. Unfortunately don’t see it happening tomorrow. I’m backing 1-0 and extra time, before the battle of the cojones comes to the fore. Luckily the last few seasons have shown we have great big ones.

Probably the last time for a while that supporters will be allowed in Anfield.

Let's make it count.

I think we’ll realy struggle because they will throw themselves to the floor st every minor contact, sometimes none, and the ref will fall for it .

I’m afraid our rhythm and fluency will be lost due th ghiw

Ref will play a huge part in the outcome I think. There are still referees out there that like to let the play flow even on the continent. We need it to be one of them tonight.

We have been talking up their sly tactics since the first leg and I think that's no coincidence. I think Klopp wanted to make it a talking point to attract potential referees attention to it.

If they watch the game back no doubt UEFA should be embarrassed by it.

Home advantage should see less stoppages and hopefully a stronger referee who gets wise to what it is these cu*ts do.

Not that it's a secret mind! Been doing it for years has Simeone.

We'll F***ing bladder these

Our form since the break doesn't bode well for this match!  Need a BIG improvement in intensity and the speed with which we move the ball.  Hendo is a shoe-in, if deemed fit, to help make this happen.

Also need a strong ref who sees through their falling over every time we go near them & who penalises them when they go through the back of us (both unlike the 1st leg!).

These have not conceded 3 in a match all season, so a clean sheet is imperative tonight.  Tough to see us getting the result if they score.

Need the crowd to be at it from the off, a typical European Anfield big match night.  The atmosphere has been subdued at Anfield in recent league matches, but hopefully if the Kop can ramp it up to top level, so can the players.

A nervy night ahead & not sure how to call it!  Heart says we go through (not listening to head!).

COME ON YOU MIGHTY REDS!!!

Our form since the break doesn't bode well for this match!  Need a BIG improvement in intensity and the speed with which we move the ball.  Hendo is a shoe-in, if deemed fit, to help make this happen.

Also need a strong ref who sees through their falling over every time we go near them & who penalises them when they go through the back of us (both unlike the 1st leg!).

These have not conceded 3 in a match all season, so a clean sheet is imperative tonight.  Tough to see us getting the result if they score.

Need the crowd to be at it from the off, a typical European Anfield big match night.  The atmosphere has been subdued at Anfield in recent league matches, but hopefully if the Kop can ramp it up to top level, so can the players.

A nervy night ahead & not sure how to call it!  Heart says we go through (not listening to head!).

COME ON YOU MIGHTY REDS!!!

How many times have citeh conceded three goals, how about Leicester at home?  We are like nothing Atletico have faced so far this season and Anfield is like no other stadium they have played in so far.

We WILL WIN tonight.

Our form since the break doesn't bode well for this match!  Need a BIG improvement in intensity and the speed with which we move the ball.  Hendo is a shoe-in, if deemed fit, to help make this happen.

Also need a strong ref who sees through their falling over every time we go near them & who penalises them when they go through the back of us (both unlike the 1st leg!).

These have not conceded 3 in a match all season, so a clean sheet is imperative tonight.  Tough to see us getting the result if they score.

Need the crowd to be at it from the off, a typical European Anfield big match night.  The atmosphere has been subdued at Anfield in recent league matches, but hopefully if the Kop can ramp it up to top level, so can the players.

A nervy night ahead & not sure how to call it!  Heart says we go through (not listening to head!).

COME ON YOU MIGHTY REDS!!!

The Intensity was back in the last 2 games.

We are back on track, Milner & Hendo being back in squad is massive.

Clean sheets will soon follow, hopefully starting tonight.

The Intensity was back in the last 2 games.

Which last 2 games???

Liverpool 2-1 Bournemouth
Chelsea 2-0 Liverpool
Wolves 3-0 Liverpool

If our intensity is at the same level as any of those 3 games, we're out & probably without troubling their keeper!

Which last 2 games???

Liverpool 2-1 Bournemouth
Chelsea 2-0 Liverpool
Wolves 3-0 Liverpool

If our intensity is at the same level as any of those 3 games, we're out & probably without troubling their keeper!

Chelsea was a decent game, we had good intensity and chances to score. He used squad to focus on next game which we won v Bournemouth intensity was much much better, should have won by more.

Watford game is the only game we have not deserved to win or draw all season. whole team were rubbish that night.

Said many times, no coincidence our worst run of results have came with hendo & Milner being injured.

Win win win tonight !!

Up the reds.

We had a thread about 2 years ago about the darker aspects of the game and how we should learn to play against them and utilise them and play to the weaknesses of the referee.

I couldn't give a sh*t if some people think its not "what we do" but its part of the game.

They will be tough tonight we need to be very clever and crafty in the right moments tonight.

...reactions straight away, as soon as we lose it, there's bodies round it and then we play out that area. Everything we do highest tempo today.

Doesn't matter. What matters they score, we score we lift it again. Every kick off is a trigger for us.

Need a BIG improvement in intensity and the speed with which we move the ball.  Hendo is a shoe-in, if deemed fit, to help make this happen.

Agree with you on that, edged passed Bournemouth, and could've lost by more to both Chelsea and Watford we coughed up so many chances with poor defending. Need to be a lot better tonight.

Hendo is back which is great, considering how we've done since he was out, but big ask for him to go from not playing/injured to match sharpness. Still, we've missed his leadership on the pitch, so hope even just that will make a difference to our performance.

And we do tend to show up on the big European nights, when the chips are down.

This F***ing coronavirus is starting to play havoc with sport, so great news at least this is going ahead. What happens after that, who knows. But let's just focus on tonight and get the job done.

Looking forward to it   These big CL matches are great to watch, so hope we do ourselves justice on the night.

Cmon boys !!!!!!!!!!

Need to ramp up the atmosphere tonight akin to the run when we got to Kiev and make it uncomfortable for atleti.

Alisson definitely misses the match and also likely a doubt for next Monday.

Players and fans alike must be at it tonight, getting on atleti's backs ever touch they make.

We can do this, 3-1 to the mighty reds.

p.s. thought there might have been a bus meet for this?

YNWA

Gone for 3  1 for the Reds in the prediction league. I am not all that confident, but with the home crowd behind them, this could be the deciding factor.

I have a bad feeling about this game

Don't f***in watch it then and let the rest of us enjoy our victory, this not a time nor the place for negative vibes,  negativity is akin to the Corona virus,

Everyone who doesn't believe we will get through should self isolate until next Xmas, be handcuffed to a radiator and wear a gimp mask.



YNWA

It's Robertson's 25th birthday today, hope he celebrates it with a win!

Don't f***in watch it then and let the rest of us enjoy our victory, this not a time nor the place for negative vibes,  negativity is akin to the Corona virus,

Everyone who doesn't believe we will get through should self isolate until next Xmas, be handcuffed to a radiator and wear a gimp mask.



YNWA

At least you can't be accused of sitting on the fence!!  love it.

I see The Winslow have deleted their tweet inviting all the Atleti fans for a pre-match bevvy

Don't f***in watch it then and let the rest of us enjoy our victory, this not a time nor the place for negative vibes,  negativity is akin to the Corona virus,

Everyone who doesn't believe we will get through should self isolate until next Xmas, be handcuffed to a radiator and wear a gimp mask.



YNWA

100% agree, I just don't understand this negativity, we are a SUPERB team, yes we've had a little dip but I thought we were much much better against Bournemouth and if we can play to the levels we know we are capable of then I think we blow Atletico out of the water.
Its almost like people have forgotten the magic of Anfield and especially European nights, just ask Barcelona how easy it is to win against us over 2 legs!

A bit PMT kicking in for the game tonight!


Let's F***ing tw*t these Redmen.

We have owed a team a spanking all season. Unfortunately don’t see it happening tomorrow. I’m backing 1-0 and extra time, before the battle of the cojones comes to the fore. Luckily the last few seasons have shown we have great big ones.

So who would be our 5 penalty takers?

Vs. man City in the Charity Shield it was:
Shaq - score
Gini - saved
Lallana - score
Ox - score
Mo - score

vs. Chelsea in the SuperCup it was:
Bobby - score
Fabinho - score
Divock - score
Trent - score
Mo - score

vs. Arsenal in the League Cup it was:
Millie - score
Lallana - score
Brewster - score
Origi - score
Curtis Jones - score

14 of 15 not too shabby.

I think there's no question Millie and Mo each will take one. Fabinho's penalty vs. Chelsea I recall was quite good and I recall he had some kind of long streak of makes for Monaco before missing one in preseason a year ago, so he probably gets the call as well. Henderson will likely want to take one but he might not be on after 120 minutes. Judging by the above, it might make sense for Lallana to sub on in part for taking a spot kick. Question is whether it makes sense for him to be subbed on in the run of play. Trent and Mane must be under consideration as well. I don't expect Divock to get in, barring injury.

I'm going with: Mo, Milner,  Lallana, Fabinho, Sadio.

Think it could just be to much for Atletico. Unless they strike early thru some defensive/Ref screw up - failing that scenario I can see their defence shattering under the relentless pressure. Yes their a decent team and have beaten us but this is different .

At the back of their minds will be, we turned over the best team in their league...the best by a country mile..and gave them a 3 goal start.

They will wilt under the pressure..no disgrace as better teams than them have crumbled in the past and will do in the future.

You know they are going to play Costa and his sole job is going to be to cause trouble and disrupt the game. Joe and Virgil are going to have to be extra vigilant.

Think it could just be to much for Atletico. Unless they strike early thru some defensive/Ref screw up - failing that scenario I can see their defence shattering under the relentless pressure. Yes their a decent team and have beaten us but this is different .

At the back of their minds will be, we turned over the best team in their league...the best by a country mile..and gave them a 3 goal start.

They will wilt under the pressure..no disgrace as better teams than them have crumbled in the past and will do in the future.

I can see that happening, especially if we get the first goal.

Maybe I’ll feel differently come kick off, but hard to get up for this when it looks highly likely the tournament will be suspended.

Maybe I’ll feel differently come kick off, but hard to get up for this when it looks highly likely the tournament will be suspended.

Klopp said it best. Don't.get caught up in the what ifs and the maybes. Live in the moment.

Also, suspended doesn't mean terminated. They will finish this somehow, some way. Let's make sure we are part of it when they do.

Klopp said it best. Don't.get caught up in the what ifs and the maybes. Live in the moment.

Also, suspended doesn't mean terminated. They will finish this somehow, some way. Let's make sure we are part of it when they do.

I am living in the moment. Every time I go online something is being postponed and the situation is getting worse.

Well it could be binned? It’s not a league. Only thing that would be affected is club world cups etc

I am living in the moment. Every time I go online something is being postponed and the situation is getting worse.

Well it could be binned? It’s not a league. Only thing that would be affected is club world cups etc

A lot of "could be" out there right now. This event would actually be easier to salvage than a league campaign. Think a one week tournament in Abu Dhabi in late May.

But enough of that at least on this thread. Tonight is about writing another chapter in the saga of European Nights at Anfield.

Last 5 meetings between us, we’ve won 1. Only once in them games has a team scored more than 1.

History against them in the last 10 years suggests it’s not going to be a goal fest.

This game should have been played behind closed doors to be honest.

Don't f***in watch it then and let the rest of us enjoy our victory, this not a time nor the place for negative vibes,  negativity is akin to the Corona virus,

Everyone who doesn't believe we will get through should self isolate until next Xmas, be handcuffed to a radiator and wear a gimp mask.



YNWA

   

Mate,a few people have concerns about how the game might pan out,not a F***ing big deal.As far as negativity goes wait till he in game thread kicks in and we make a poor pass,see how many start slagging the team then.

Atletico are getting the Anfield European nights treatment tonight, F***ing getting smashed they are..

3-0 all our forwards chipping in..

Let’s do these cu*ts.

That is all

I have a bad feeling about this tonight

Atletico are getting the Anfield European nights treatment tonight, F***ing getting smashed they are..

3-0 all our forwards chipping in..

Just have our team watch highlights of the Barcelona match before the first half, as well as at half time if necessary!

European occasions at Anfield are not something Liverpool’s players will ever take for granted, insists Jordan Henderson.

The Reds go into a meeting with Atletico Madrid this evening in front of another sold-out home crowd as they aim to overturn a 1-0 first-leg defeat in the Champions League last-16 clash.

Henderson admits watching Saturday’s 2-1 win over Bournemouth – a victory that put Jürgen Klopp’s side within six points of clinching the Premier League title – from the stands enabled him to soak in the sights and sounds around Anfield from a different perspective.

And the captain – who is set to come into contention after returning to fitness – knows how crucial a role Liverpool supporters have to play once again tonight.

He wrote in his column for the official matchday programme: “Being a supporter on Saturday, I made a point of properly soaking in the feeling around Anfield in those final few minutes and seconds and in particular what was happening on the Kop. It made me realise why it’s so important.

“It was genuinely incredible to look at with all the colours and flags and the noise was unreal. It looked and sounded amazing. I know I’ve mentioned Spion Kop 1906 in these notes previously, but the work they do and the effort they put in is always worth highlighting because it makes such a positive impact. They, more than anyone, are responsible for making the feeling so raw and authentic.

“I saw on social media that they had 50 new flags made for the Bournemouth game and, from a player’s point of view, the Kop looked better than ever. I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but if you watch our players just before we assemble for kick-off, most have a proper look at the Kop and try to take a moment to take it all in.

“Part of having something special in life is making sure you never take it for granted. That counts for so many things – but as a Liverpool player the positive impact of Anfield and the Kop should be top of that list.

“I know going into tonight’s game there’ll be a lot of talk about the importance of us being at home. There will no doubt have been dozens of articles and broadcasts referencing historic and special Anfield European nights, but we can never and will never take it for granted.

“It never ‘just’ happens. These occasions come because we make it happen – all of us.

“People from groups like Spion Kop 1906 bring the colour – the supporters bring the passion – and then as players we have to bring the intensity of performance. The moment we assume things will happen for us just because it’s Liverpool and it’s Anfield and it’s the European Cup, then it won’t.

“None of us take any of this for granted and we come into this game knowing if we want something special to happen, we have to work hard to make it so.

“That’s what we’ll look do as players: give everything we have and, if we do, we know the support will be there driving us on.”

https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/first-team/389936-jordan-henderson-atletico-madrid-programme-notes

Jürgen Klopp has delivered a message to Liverpool’s players and supporters ahead of tonight’s Champions League tie with Atletico Madrid: “Be yourselves, trust yourselves, embrace the joy of the moment and do your best.”

The Reds go into the last-16, second-leg encounter at Anfield needing to overturn a one-goal deficit from the initial meeting at Estadio Metropolitano three weeks ago.

If they’re to do so - and reach the quarter-finals of the competition for a third successive season in the process - Klopp believes they will need everyone at their maximum, both players and fans.

He wrote in his column in the official matchday programme: “The story of our team in recent seasons, and even in recent months and weeks, is when we face a challenge we rise to it. Set the bar higher and give all you have to clear it.

“Our mentality isn’t one whereby we expect or want gifts. Everything this group of players has in this moment they have fought and scrapped for. We are fighters to our very core.

“Opportunity is the pressure that drives us - it is only positive in these moments.

“I talk about Atletico’s qualities because we must respect them, but in doing so we don’t ignore our own. This is so, so important. We have talent, desire, energy and belief. We know when we bring our intensity we hold the pen and we write the story. We have world-class players, who I am proud to say are world-class people also. I would swap them for no-one.

“But the key part of that is knowing there is work to do and we have to do it. It is not allowed to think for even a second our previous achievements will have an impact tonight. Things happen when you make them happen - tonight we have to make them happen.

“Just because we have done something before doesn’t mean you can expect it to happen again. Go and make it happen again - performance and atmosphere.

“Anyone who comes to Anfield tonight thinking of previous occasions and feelings here, I’m cool with that. But it has to be channelled into a mindset of ‘I want to feel it again’. So, remember all the things that brought you to that feeling - player and supporter.

“The key word tonight will be ‘intensity’. Madrid will have it - we know this. So we must have higher intensity, in the positive sense, in all that we do.

“Our visitors’ supporters will be passionate and loud. Cool! We can be better if we are prepared to work for it. Our visitors’ players will be focused, prepared and hungry. Cool! We can be better if we are prepared to work for it.

“I cannot emphasise enough how important it is to leave any sense of ‘what if’ or even ‘what might be’ outside the stadium. In the stands and on the pitch we need to be in every moment. This is how you create special moments.

“Wanting something isn’t enough. Plenty will want something. We have proved already and we can prove again it’s about ‘doing’. It’s about doing the work and then getting the rewards. Anfield has been our biggest asset for such a long time and we never fall into the trap of thinking it just happens because tickets are sold and gates are opened.

“On nights like this, the Anfield crowd is the ‘transfer’ that no other club can ever acquire, no matter how much they crave it. It can’t be copied or replicated. It’s special to us. It is ours and we must always cherish its positive impact.

“As always the message to the players and the crowd is very similar. Be yourselves, trust yourselves, embrace the joy of the moment and do your best.

“It’s all you can ever ask.”

https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/first-team/389935-Jürgen-klopp-atletico-madrid-programme-notes

This game should have been played behind closed doors to be honest.

With the crowd locked in until the final whistle !!

This game should have been played behind closed doors to be honest.

Maybe. But at least we have them there to hopefully roar the team on,
Not long now, just want to get it started..

Is there a coach welcome tonight ?

Is there a coach welcome tonight ?

There's this thread on the Liverpool subreddit but it doesn't seem very informative at the moment - https://old.reddit.com/r/LiverpoolFC/comments/fgzhkb/any_information_on_a_bus_welcome/

Keita not even in bench 🤔