Liverpool FC - Euro Red Diary 18

by Joel Rookwood

Liverpool v Benfica

'Liverpool Vs Benfica'. Now that reads like a real European tie. Following the partial Americanisation of football, there are many of the financially-driven new breed of fan, inflicted with short memories, who would have you believe that nothing existed before the 'Chelski, merchandising, saturated, premiership, never mind the FA Cup you must finish top four' era of European football. Newcomers like Lyon, Chelsea , Villarreal and Arsenal, without so much as a single European Cup final appearance between them, enter the competition these days actually thinking they are Europe 's elite.

For football clubs and their fans however, greatness is as much about pedigree as current position. Indeed it is those statistical extremities by which clubs are measured: The most European cups, the most league titles, the most domestic cups. And as the continent's premier competition began to hot up, the most successful sides in England and Portugal respectively in all three of these categories were drawn together for the so-called 'super-sixteen' round of the Champions League.

In old money we were competing for a place in the quarters of the European Cup. These two clubs have between them played in twelve European Cup finals, and yet 2006 was to be the first time the two continental kings had been drawn together in my life time.

Liverpool's favourable result in the group stages meant that the European champions were to play the first leg away from home, which historically might have seemed an advantage.

But it is this dynamic which I hold partly responsible for our ultimate demise in this year's competition. The other two contributing factors were the temporary loss of form we had suffered and the eternal curse of being 'favourites'.

As soon as it became clear we weren't playing one of the three or four sides with a genuine chance of winning the competition, and that we didn't have the luxury of a first leg at fortress Anfield, I feared the worst.

We may have beaten Chelsea at home in the second leg en route to last year's victory in the competition. However I feared that not having a first leg at Anfield to frighten the opposition, and effectively win the tie in the first half an hour, as we had done against Leverksuen and Juventus, would cost us the tie.

So Liverpool travelled to southern Portugal devoid of form and confidence, and so, spurred on by the thought that this could be our last European away of the current campaign, we the fans were determined to have a laugh en route.

So that is just what we did. Now of course the ins and outs of this 'laugh' have to remain largely undisclosed. Let's just say it's in everyone's best interest if that is the case. We flew into Faro and drove along the coast to the capital, with a football and without a map.

The route was almost too easy, even if our unscheduled stops at various grounds along the way involved a certain intricacy that bordered on the ridiculous. In fact transport was so simplistic that I even remember saying I 'missed the UEFA Cup', and genuinely meaning it. Some of the random destinations that competition throws at you are far more of a challenge. I don't suppose Rick Parry would subscribe to the same viewpoint.

We did eventually arrive in Lisbon following several impromptu stop offs, and the majority of us even went to the match the following evening. Because I'm all bitter and twisted about getting knocked out however, the only slice of information I'm offering is that we conceded a late goal from a well worked free kick.

At the end of the game some of the Benfica fans ran on to the pitch to unravel a huge banner, on which a cartoon illustrated Benfica bandits leaving the Shankly gates with the liberated European Cup in their hands. Dream on lads, dream on. It might not be a trophy we're destined to retain on this occasion, but one thing is for certain, it won't be ending up at the Stadium of Light in May.

It was only a single goal deficit that Benitez and his side had to overcome, but the majority inside Anfield for the second leg sensed that it would be too much for us. There is a saying in Portugal that offers one word descriptions of their four leading cities. Of those mentioned, Lisbon is said to Íshow off'.

And at Anfield, that is exactly what they did, winning the away leg 2-0, and deservedly so. Liverpool's weak links were exposed once again, notably relating to our inadequate forward line. An average Benfica proved that it wasn't our year in this competition. In truth Benitez looks to have his priorities lying elsewhere. Stung by criticism of his side's debut performances in the league and the FA Cup last season, it is in such competitions that the Liverpool manager is clearly most keen to see improvement.

Benfica performed admirably over the two legs, but in truth they just caught Liverpool at the right time. The Portuguese side are very unlikely to overcome the current number one side in the world, Barcelona, in the quarter-final. Indeed it looks like the Catalan club will this year join a host of secondary European teams to have won the trophy twice, such as Juventus and Man United. Still, at least when they do, some other inferior pretenders to the throne will be put in their place. Houllier's Lyon and Wenger's Arsenal spring to mind.

For Arsenal it seems are the latest English club to adopt such ridiculous delusions of grandeur, assuming that they are actually going to win the European cup. Now such is the fortuitous nature of the draw they have been dealt, they may even squirm their way to their first ever final. However should they reach such lofty status, that is where they will be consigned to history, in the same way no one can remember Leeds once made the final.

They will no doubt be quick to forget the miracle of Istanbul and all the statistical extremities that renders us England's premier club. I'm sure they can't wait to sing 'Champions League you're having a laugh'. Well, where they have fantasies, we have photo albums. Five may not turn to six this year, but we have Benitez at the helm. It won't be long before that European Cup finds its way back home. Ancient Greece: prepare yourselves for a Scouse invasion.

Joel Rookwood

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