Source: Liverpool_Echo
Opportunity knocks as Liverpool FC hope Europa League omens will lead to glory
Opportunity knocks for Liverpool[LNB] FOR 2001, read 2010. Those seeking omens to suggest Liverpool are heading to a trophy will know the last successful UEFA Cup campaign saw them face Portuguese opponents in the quarter-finals, a Spanish team in the last four before contesting a final in Germany.[LNB]Spot the similarities? It might not be quite the same kind of coincidence as 2005 - you know, Wales winning Rugby's Grand Slam, a Pope passing away and both Prince Charles and Ken Barlow getting married - but mention of the quirk is enough to get Steven Gerrard smiling.[LNB]The memory of being an integral part of Gerard Houllier's treble-winning squad nine years ago still burns bright for Liverpool's skipper and, as a date with Benfica looms, he finds himself recalling those famous UEFA Cup wins over Porto, Barcelona and Alaves.[LNB]If history is to repeat itself, however, the Reds will have to draw on the experience they have gained in the Champions League to give Gerrard a chance to again cradle the trophy with which he first became acquainted one chaotic night in Dortmund.[LNB]Benfica, after all, are a side far superior to the Porto team Liverpool brushed aside in 2001 at this stage of the competition; though they had a young Deco, there were no players of the calibre of Angel Di Maria, Pablo Aimar, Oscar Cardozo and Javier Saviola.[LNB]But while he appreciates the size of the task with which Liverpool are faced, Gerrard is eager to point out that opportunity knocks for Rafa Benitez's men here in Lisbon; this squad, you see, is desperate to contest the Europa League final in Hamburg on May 12.[LNB]'When you get to the quarter-finals of any tournament, it is only natural that you start to dream about playing in the final,' said Gerrard, who scored Liverpool's second when they beat Alaves 5-4 to announce themselves back on the European stage.[LNB] 'But we will be in trouble if we start thinking 'are we going to play Atletico Madrid or Valencia?' - to do that would be a schoolboy error. Everyone here knows this is going to be a very tricky tie.'[LNB]Just as it was when Liverpool last squared up to Benfica in 2006. Having won the Champions League nine months earlier, the script was supposed to see the Reds ease through the last 16 en route to successfully defending their crown in Paris.
