Liverpool FC will have to make up 1-0 ground to reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League against Atletico Madrid. Jürgen Klopp is betting on the fans.
Jürgen Klopp and the defending champions FC Liverpool are threatened with elimination in the Champions League as early as the quarter-finals.
To reach the quarter-finals in the premier league, the Reds will first have to make up for a 1-0 win over Atletico Madrid from the first leg at Anfield Road on Wednesday. (Champions League: FC Liverpool – Atletico Madrid, Wednesday 9pm)
In contrast to many other countries, where because of the corona virus many sporting events are cancelled completely or only take place as ghost games, the virus does not yet play a role on the island. So Klopp hopes for the legendary support of the Liverpool fans.
Klopp relies on home strength
“To Atletico fans who can get a ticket to the game: Welcome to Anfield,” said the Liverpool FC team manager: “It’s not over yet!”
Liverpool FC have created the Anfield myth. “Midfielder James Milner said: “We know how good Atletico are and how organised they perform. But hopefully we’ll find an antidote and have another special night at Anfield.”
One like the one almost four years ago, when Liverpool achieved a football miracle against Borussia Dortmund (4-3) in the European League quarter-finals. The Reds showed even greater comeback qualities last year: a 4-0 win over FC Barcelona paved the way for Liverpool to reach the final and the longed-for title in the premier league.
Liverpool show unusual weaknesses
In the end, the team was not free of worries. Liverpool, who are playing an outstanding season and – theoretically – can celebrate their first championship in 30 years as early as next weekend, have recently suffered a rare period of weakness.
The 1-0 defeat in Madrid was followed by their first Premier League defeat of the season at FC Watford (3-0) and the FA Cup knockout at Chelsea (2-0), which cost the club a chance of a triple.
Star striker Roberto Firmino has been out of form lately and the defence has lost stability. Virgil van Dijk’s defence has conceded at least one goal in each of the last five games.