Liverpool FC have completed one of the greatest comebacks in sports history. Despite Liverpool playing well, the first leg of Liverpool vs Barcelona ended 3-0 to Barcelona after a Lionel Messi masterclass. Heading back to Anfield, Firmino was out with a muscle injury and Salah with a concussion, meaning that the Reds would have to score four goals without their two most important forwards. They did just that with two goals from Divock Origi and Georginio Wijnaldum each.
After the 3-0, most people assumed the tie was all but finished. However, anyone who really knows Liverpool Football Club knows that you never bet against the Reds at Anfield with their backs against the wall.
This club has countless iconic moments in European competitions: from the Gerrard volley vs Olympiakos to the “Miracle of Istanbul” to the comeback vs Dortmund, and even the 1-0 victory vs Napoli earlier this season. Time and time again, Liverpool and its fans have shown the ability to create special moments when the odds are stacked against them.
Watching 54,000 of the loudest, most passionate fans in the world sing “You’ll Never Walk Alone” before a game, there’s an almost indescribable feeling that arises. It’s a strange combination of confidence, pride, and belief that everything is going to be okay. The famous anthem gives everyone such a lift, it sometimes feels impossible to lose with the support seen in that stadium. That’s exactly what happened again vs Barcelona.
I can’t sit here and say that I knew they were going to come back and beat the best team in the world 4-0, but I don’t think any other team in the world could have so much hope in that situation. When he first joined Liverpool Jürgen Klopp said, “We have to change from doubters to believers.”
And, we are believers, not just because we can honestly say we have the best defense in the premier league, incredible midfield depth, and a deadly front three, but also because through joy in victory and agony in defeat we’ve realized what Liverpool is made of. Beyond the current players at the club, it’s the spirit of Liverpool that makes us special. The aura and belief around the club dictate our success on the field, not the other way around. I don’t know how many other teams in the world can honestly say that.
After years of mediocrity or heartbreak at how close we were to success, Liverpool is finally back to an elite, title-winning level. However, there’s still a lot left to play for. The Premier League will be decided on the last day of the season, and a Champions League final awaiting in Madrid. We may win both. We may win neither. Either way, it’ll be okay. At the end of the storm, there’s a golden sky and the sweet silver song of a lark.
#WeAreLiverpool