It’s crunch time as Liverpool fans gather in London for what could be another momentous European night, or the end of the 2007/08 season for the Reds.
It’s Chelsea vs Liverpool at Stamford Bridge in the UEFA Champions League Semi-Final Second Leg, kick-off 7.45pm. It’s going to be epic.
John Arne Riise’s last gasp own goal at Anfield in the first leg at Anfield last Tuesday gave Chelsea hope, canceling out Dirk Kuyt’s first half opener to leave the score at 1-1 at the half-way stage of this nailbiting tie.
Chelsea‘s away goal suggests advantage is with Avram Grant’s men. Add to that the fact that Liverpool must go to Chelsea tonight and must score, despite having not scored at Stamford Bridge since January 2004.
But that has been without Fernando Torres. Reds defender Jamie Carragher believes Liverpool’s top scorer could be the key to unlocking the Stamford Bridge jinx.
“A lot of people are talking about the fact that we haven’t scored at Stamford Bridge for a few years,” said Carragher. “But, as Stevie said after the first leg, we’ve never been there with Fernando Torres.
“He has been the stand out striker in world football this season and he is capable of scoring against anyone at any time.”
There’s an air of confidence in the Liverpool camp as kick-off swiftly approaches.
Midfielder Xabi Alonso is not underestimating the importance of tonight’s clash, with the winner earning themselves at place in the European Cup final alongside Manchester United in Moscow on 21st May.
Alonso says, “Liverpool are preparing for this match against Chelsea like a fina. We have confidence of success because of our record in the past.
“We are able to progress past this round. The team is still angry by the result at Anfield because Chelsea did not merit a 1-1 draw.
“Our objective is to win in London and demonstrate that Chelsea are not superior to us.”
Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish believes Rafael Benitez’s men can go out tonight and secure victory, breaking Chelsea‘s impressive unbeaten home run.
“I believe that Liverpool can go there, score and win the game,” Dalglish told the official club magazine.
“Look at it this way; the law of averages dictates that Chelsea‘s home record has to come to an end eventually. Ours did, and so will theirs.
“We’ve got to score on that basis alone, even before you analyse our strengths and weaknesses.”
The game kicks off at 7.45pm and is live on Sky Sports 2.
