Reds boss Rafa Benitez knows the power of the Liverpool fans, having witnessed some memorable European nights at Anfield during his 4 years at the club; Barcelona and Chelsea last season, Oympiakos, Juve and Chelsea again on the road to Istanbul in 2005.
And Benitez is expecting another of those famous Anfield atmospheres on Tuesday when Arsenal arrive for the final and most important part of the Reds vs Gunners trilogy.
“You could feel the atmosphere against Chelsea in the semi-final, and I expect that to be the same this time,” said BenÃtez. “Our fans can also hold the key. I saw Chelsea affected by the Kop, it was clear. Hopefully it will be the same again.
“It is easy to say that you do not have any problems with big crowds in away games of this importance. But when you have to face our fans for 90 minutes, then it is not easy for the majority of players. They have been here before. But the difference is the Champions League, it’s knock-out now and that is the difference.”
With both clubs now out of the title running and domestic cups, this match holds the only chance of silverware for Arsenal and Liverpool and further increases the importance of the quarter final second leg. “If they want to win a trophy then it must be this game because it will be very difficult to win the Premier League,” said BenÃtez.
Liverpool fans will be meeting in the town centre on Tuesday afternoon ahead of the game, Williamson Square near the LFC club shop from 2pm.
All fans going to Anfield are encouraged to take their flags, banners and scarves to make the ground awash with colour – but most importantly take your singing voice.
