This is a good read actually. But then again, everything is today! 
NOTHING can compare with a European night at Anfield.
It was a privilege to be a part of the atmosphere generated by the best fans in the world for an occasion to rank with the Inter Milan semi-final, the St Etienne tie, the 2005 win over Chelsea and the heroic night in Istanbul.
Now, it can be repeated all over again in another Champions League final this month in Athens.
The fans were absolutely unbelievable last night in what was a pulsating, absorbing game that kept you on edge throughout.
The football at times might not have been the best, but this was blood and thunder, no-holds barred stuff, where the stakes were high and everyone knew one mistake could spell the end of their European dreams.
In fact, there were occasions when neither side seemed to have a midfield as long balls were pumped up the middle but, irrespective of what Jose Mourinho thought, the Reds battled together as a team and deserved their night of glory.
Chelsea, I thought, relied too much on Didier Drogba, the star of the first game. But the combination of Jamie Carragher and Daniel Agger reduced his threat considerably as they produced excellent displays.
It was a case of the unexpected when Rafa Benitez’s side went ahead. Instead of the curled free kick from Steven Gerrard, the skipper worked a neat pass across the edge of the box and Agger clipped a low left footer into the corner.
It was just reward as the Reds dominated for long periods, without creating too many chances.
Drogba had one sight of goal, but his terrific shot was well saved by Pepe Reina, whose moments of pure theatre were to come later.
Another fine show came from Dirk Kuyt, who worked tirelessly all night, saw one header smack the crossbar, was unlucky to be ruled offside when he followed up Alonso’s drive to score, but his reward came with the penalty clincher in the shootout.
For Benitez, this was another triumph for tactical brilliance. He sprang a surprise by leaving out Xabi Alonso until late in the game, but there is no doubt he is the best European manager I have seen in the modern era.
He understands the European game inside out and to take the team to a second final within two years is magnificent. A top four finish will do this year, but the fans will be looking for a big improvement in the Premier next time around.
What of Mourinho? Well, he’s just an idiot. His team suffers through his rantings because of the hatred he has built up through his arrogance and egotism. He tried to play mind games with Benitez like he has done at Manchester United, but it doesn’t work at Liverpool.
Anfield on nights like this is just outstanding. The crowd is undoubtedly an important “twelfth man”. It was noticeable how some Chelsea players just didn’t raise their game.
I just sat in the stands thinking how glad I was to be a Liverpool fan. I would not take a million pounds to be a Chelsea fan, that’s for sure.
Next up? Who cares? Bring ‘em on. Liverpool and Euro finals are made for each other.
NOTHING can compare with a European night at Anfield.
It was a privilege to be a part of the atmosphere generated by the best fans in the world for an occasion to rank with the Inter Milan semi-final, the St Etienne tie, the 2005 win over Chelsea and the heroic night in Istanbul.
Now, it can be repeated all over again in another Champions League final this month in Athens.
The fans were absolutely unbelievable last night in what was a pulsating, absorbing game that kept you on edge throughout.
The football at times might not have been the best, but this was blood and thunder, no-holds barred stuff, where the stakes were high and everyone knew one mistake could spell the end of their European dreams.
In fact, there were occasions when neither side seemed to have a midfield as long balls were pumped up the middle but, irrespective of what Jose Mourinho thought, the Reds battled together as a team and deserved their night of glory.
Chelsea, I thought, relied too much on Didier Drogba, the star of the first game. But the combination of Jamie Carragher and Daniel Agger reduced his threat considerably as they produced excellent displays.
It was a case of the unexpected when Rafa Benitez’s side went ahead. Instead of the curled free kick from Steven Gerrard, the skipper worked a neat pass across the edge of the box and Agger clipped a low left footer into the corner.
It was just reward as the Reds dominated for long periods, without creating too many chances.
Drogba had one sight of goal, but his terrific shot was well saved by Pepe Reina, whose moments of pure theatre were to come later.
Another fine show came from Dirk Kuyt, who worked tirelessly all night, saw one header smack the crossbar, was unlucky to be ruled offside when he followed up Alonso’s drive to score, but his reward came with the penalty clincher in the shootout.
For Benitez, this was another triumph for tactical brilliance. He sprang a surprise by leaving out Xabi Alonso until late in the game, but there is no doubt he is the best European manager I have seen in the modern era.
He understands the European game inside out and to take the team to a second final within two years is magnificent. A top four finish will do this year, but the fans will be looking for a big improvement in the Premier next time around.
What of Mourinho? Well, he’s just an idiot. His team suffers through his rantings because of the hatred he has built up through his arrogance and egotism. He tried to play mind games with Benitez like he has done at Manchester United, but it doesn’t work at Liverpool.
Anfield on nights like this is just outstanding. The crowd is undoubtedly an important “twelfth man”. It was noticeable how some Chelsea players just didn’t raise their game.
I just sat in the stands thinking how glad I was to be a Liverpool fan. I would not take a million pounds to be a Chelsea fan, that’s for sure.
Next up? Who cares? Bring ‘em on. Liverpool and Euro finals are made for each other.
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