A replica of last week’s performance is needed from Liverpool…
Liverpool’s performances in the English Premier League have been noticeably average for the past few weeks. Recent draws against West Brom and Stoke were especially disappointing given the stellar Champions League performances. These sub-par showings could have been spurred by the added emphasis on European nights – and Liverpool is now facing a complicated situation for direct Champions League qualification. The have managed 72 points from 36 games and are sitting third in the table. Tottenham and Chelsea are chasing closely with four and three matches to play respectively.
The club’s fans might argue that their team is going to win the Champions League by beating Roma in Rome. However, this requires progressing through the semi-final and beating Real Madrid or Bayern in the final. If they succeed, they will be guaranteed a place in next year’s tournament as champions.
Injuries have also factored into the club’s recent domestic slump – and could affect their progress in the Champions League. They’re favourites to knock Roma out due to the first-leg advantage – but winning the final against Bayern or Real Madrid remains a difficult task due to the club’s unpredictable defence and extensive list of injuries.
It would also be foolish write Roma off after their quarter-final heroics against the mighty Barcelona. Messi and co. took them lightly and the Giallorossi were able to overturn the 4-1 deficit from the first-leg by winning 3-0 at home. Roma’s strength at the Stadio Olimpico is always undermined and Barcelona fell victim to Roma’s remarkable home record.
42 – Mohamed Salah has scored 42 goals for Liverpool this season in all competitions; only Ian Rush has netted more in a single campaign for the Reds (47 in 83/84, with Roger Hunt also on 42 in 61/62). Idol. pic.twitter.com/H4HqyvKf1w
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) April 24, 2018
All eyes will be on Mohamed Salah as he makes an emotional return to his former club. The Egyptian will need to overcome his conflicted feelings and perform well enough for his side to triumph. He has had an extremely successful season thus far, winning PFA Player of the Year, equalling the Premier League goal-scoring record, and leading the European Golden Shoe rankings. These accolades all mean a lot but the Champions League crown might be the most prominent and distinctive achievement for him.
A.S. Roma have never won the UEFA Champions League (or European Cup) despite playing two finals – including a home defeat on penalties to Liverpool in 1983-84. The Reds have already won five titles and were victorious in 2005 against Milan after overturning a 3-0 deficit, etching a truly memorable moment into footballing history. Both teams are going strong for the second leg, where Roma have the home advantage and Liverpool have plenty of ‘belief’ to carry them through.