Shaky Liverpool will bank on vociferous support at Anfield in their bid to overturn 0-1 away deficit against Atletico in tonight's Last-16 return clash
Liverpool players celebrate a goal against West Ham during an EPL tie at Anfield last month. Pic/Getty Images
Liverpool's 2-1 victory over Bournemouth on Saturday was met with an unusual sense of relief around Anfield for a side that had just clinched a 22nd consecutive home league win and moved 25 points clear at the top of the Premier League. Such has been the Reds' relentless run towards a first league title in 30 years that three defeats in three different competitions in four games was considered a slump in form. A 3-0 reverse at Watford deprived Jurgen Klopp's men the chance to match Arsenal's "invincible" unbeaten league season and a FA Cup exit at the hands of Chelsea means they cannot replicate Manchester United's treble of 1998-99.
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Triple defeat hurts
However, the most damaging of the trio of defeats could still prove to be the 1-0 deficit they must overturn when Atletico Madrid travel to Anfield for the second leg of their Champions League Last-16 tie on Wednesday. "It's a long season and you see how many games we've played. In any sport you play, it's impossible to be at your highest level all year, year in and year out," said James Milner, who produced a stunning goal-line clearance to secure victory against Bournemouth. You try your best and it just doesn't happen, and that's when you need to find a way to win."
When at their best, Liverpool have shown they are more than capable of second leg fightbacks at home. Most spectacularly when Barcelona were humbled 4-0 in last season's semi-final despite holding a 3-0 first leg lead. However, there are cracks in the English champions-elect's armoury that Atletico can expose. After keeping 10 clean sheets in 11 league games between early December and mid-February, Liverpool have conceded in each of their last five games.
Klopp's warning
Liverpool can at least rely on a vociferous home support that makes Anfield such a fortress on European nights. Klopp has never lost a European game at home since taking charge of Liverpool in 2015 and has reached three finals in that time. "Our people will be ready. Welcome to Anfield! It's not over yet," warned the German after the first leg.
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