Liverpool FC and FC Barcelona have to turn 0-2 in their quarter-final second legs in the Champions League. Both clubs conjure up the spirit of past comebacks.
May 7, 2019 is burned into the soul of the FC Liverpool. That day the club wrote to the stadium in the Anfield Football history. They turned things around under coach Jürgen Klopp “Reds” in the second leg of the semi-final Champions League against FC Barcelona a 0-3 deficit from the first leg in Camp Nou and won 4-0. Divock Origi and Georginio Wijnaldum each scored twice.
It was only the fourth time in the history of the premier class that a team was able to overcome a three-goal deficit from the first leg – and the first time in a semi-final. The LFC then also won the final against Tottenham Hotspur.
Slot evokes the ‘Spirit of Anfield’
So it’s not surprising that Team manager Arne Slot before the quarter-final second leg against Paris Saint Germain conjures up that “Spirit of Anfield”. “I have to point to the history of this club, the difference Anfield can have on a performance. We are still in the race”said the Dutchman before the second leg on Tuesday (9 p.m.), in which the Reds “only” have to make up for a 2-0 defeat this time.
But the signs are different: it’s more likely the 47-year-old’s desperate attempt to concentrate all his strengths once again in a messed up season. “We need our fans to help us create an atmosphere in which we can reach a better level”said Slot, who is threatened with elimination if he gets knocked out. After all, Liverpool beat FC with a 2-0 win Fulham in English Premier League a little self-confidence for the second duel with the defending champions from Paris.
Barcelona can also catch up
FC Barcelona can also catch up. The famous one is unforgettable “La Remontada” on March 8, 2017 – and Paris will probably remember that before the second leg at Anfield. Barca were in the round of 16 PSG conceded a 0:4.
In the “Miracle of Camp Nou” the Catalans were leading 3-0, then Edinson Cavani seemed to have pulled the plug on them with his goal to make it 1-3 in the 62nd minute. At that time the away goals rule still applied. But thanks to very late goals from Neymar (88th and 90th) and Sergi Roberto (90th + 5th), Barcelona won 6-1 and went through to the round.
Barcelona celebrates their 6-1 win against Paris.
On Tuesday (9 p.m.) Barca with coach Hansi Flick only has to make up for a 0-2 defeat – but away, against the defensive artists of Atletico Madrid. Barca almost managed a spectacular comeback against the “mattress makers” in March. It was enough in the semi-finals Copa del Rey After a 4-0 defeat in the first leg at home, they only managed a 3-0 win. The Flick team also recently won the league against Atletico. But the 2:1 wouldn’t be enough this time.
La Coruna and Rome also reversed heavy defeats
Turning around a clear first leg defeat away from home is difficult anyway. Two other famous comebacks also happened in front of the home crowd. Won in the quarterfinals in 2003/04 Deportivo La Coruna after a 1:4 at AC Milan at home with 4:0. In the 2017/18 quarter-finals, AS Roma won 3-0 at home after a 1-4 defeat at FC Barcelona.
Liverpool FC and FC Barcelona now also need a 3-0 win like this. The “Reds” were hopelessly defeated in the first leg in Paris and don’t seem to be in any condition to turn the duel around these days. Barca also face a huge task away to Atletico.
FC Bayern could be a role model for Flick
But of course nothing is impossible. In the round of 16 of the 1988/89 UEFA Cup, FC Bayern lost the first leg against Inter Milan 2-0 at home. After a 3-1 triumph in Giuseppe Meazza-Stadium but in the end the Munich team were one round further.
And so Flick is calm. “We don’t need a miracle. We just have to play our best football. There are many possibilities. I know Atlético are a fantastic team. But so are we.”
