There is clearly something in the water when it comes to European nights at Anfield. Liverpool are far from being the only football club to boast a rich and illustrious history, but few can claim to have matched their efforts on a continental stage.
Only Real Madrid and AC Milan have more European Cup wins to their name, with the Reds rightly proud of the six that they have collected to date. No side in England can claim to have got close to emulating those achievements, with Manchester United’s haul of three successes being doubled by the men from Merseyside.
There is, of course, the promise of more to come. Champions League betting from Betfair has Liverpool as 6/1 shots to make it into seventh heaven this season, with Jurgen Klopp’s side setting lofty targets again on the back of an injury-hit 2020-21 campaign. A shot at glory in Saint Petersburg on May 28, 2022 remains a long way off for now, but early momentum is essential for ultimate goals to be hit. The Reds are ticking over nicely and will feel that they still have a few more gears to go through yet.
They also know that there is always a serious trump card up their sleeve when it comes to earning Champions League tips. In moments of doubt and times of adversity, Anfield can be relied upon to deliver. It is a special place at the best of times, but something magical seems to happen under the lights of midweek competition.
An expansion of @LFC Anfield Road Stand would increase stadium capacity to 61,000 – leapfrogging @ManCity, @Arsenal and @WestHam to sit in the top three of largest @premierleague stadiums. #justsaying pic.twitter.com/1bIKDtZ4Mr
— Liverpool City Council (@lpoolcouncil) June 15, 2021
The grass can appear greener when Liverpool play host to European rivals, lines look brighter, energy levels increase and the noise, well, that has to be witnessed to be believed. In a certain section of L4, you really will never walk alone on evenings such as this.
Can Liverpool deliver again?
All of the pieces of another Champions League-winning puzzle appear to have been assembled at Anfield, with there much to be said for the stability and continuity that Klopp has overseen during his tenure. Of those that started the 2019 final against Tottenham at Wanda Metropolitano in Madrid back in June 2019, 10 remain on the club’s books – with Georginio Wijnaldum being the only man to have departed.
The sight of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino in full flow is worth the price of an entrance ticket alone, but the likes of Alisson, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Jordan Henderson are much more than supporting cast members.
They have all climbed the mountain before and intend to do so again. Experience of magical outings at Anfield counts for plenty and leaves everybody – on and off the pitch – longing for more.
This was not always the case for Liverpool. Throughout trophy-laden eras in the 1960s, 70s and 80s, startled opponents would often be rolled over on Merseyside and sent packing with the minimum of fuss. A heady mix of reputation and no little talent could be enough to win games before a ball was kicked.
Competition has increased since then and the odd miracle has been required to keep Liverpool on course for more major honours. That, though, becomes a habit in itself and can sow seeds of doubt into the minds of those that view Anfield as some kind of impenetrable fortress.
It is not just on home soil, though, that magic acts have been performed. From Rome to Istanbul, the Reds have a tendency of saving their best for fixtures that sit outside of their domestic bread and butter.
Some notable scalps have already been collected in the current campaign, with six points taken from La Liga giants Atletico Madrid, and more will be required for another open-top bus parade to be added to the calendar.
If anyone can allow themselves to get a little carried away, though, and become caught up in the emotion of European football, then it is Liverpool. Historical achievements have earned that right, while future exploits will ensure that Anfield remains a night out like no other.
