So then PSV, Atletico Madrid and Marseille. Ouch! That could have gone better!
Initial reaction is that we should qualify, our European pedigree in recent years suggests that on our day we can take all of those sides. What’s a little worrying is that all three will believe they have a genuine chance of qualifying, not to mention unique motivation to take some revenge on us.
Marseille deservedly beat us at Anfield last season, but a Torres masterclass tore them apart in the final group game. It put us through, but let’s not forget cost Marseille a place in round two.
PSV we played four times in the 2006-2007 campaign – winning both group games before a majestic 3-0 away win in the First Leg of the Quarter Final followed by a drab 0-0 back at Anfield. On that form we’ve nothing to fear, but a closer look at PSV’s Champions League record will show a team who’ve reached the last eight twice in the past four seasons and only once failed to qualify from the group stage.
Finally there’s Atletico. Obviously the big focus here will be on Torres. We took away their hero and whilst his armband proved he was a red, for the previous decade he was the golden boy of the other Madrid. Imagine Gerrard or Carragher turning out against us? It’s going to be an emotional night at the Vicente Calderón Stadium. What’s more it won’t just be Nando in line for a reunion. Little Luis Garcia and Florent Sinama-Pongolle are both ex-reds in the Atletico squad.
Karl
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