It was big news.
Rafa Benitez had been appointed Liverpool manager.
The Reds were pathetic in the league and Benitez was guaranteed to be sacked according to the press.
In Europe though, the Reds were a different team, and performed on Europe’s biggest stage with skill and passion that saw them become champions of the continent and on route beat Juventus, Chelsea and AC Milan.
Last year, it was a similar story in the league and Arsenal sent the Reds crashing out of the League and FA Cup. To make matters worse, the Reds drew then current holders Barcelona, who had a far superior team on paper. Yet, astonishingly they flew past Barca, murdered PSV, edged Chelsea and found themselves in a second European Cup final in three years. Unluckily, an Inzaghi chester-handball deflection saw them lose narrowly to AC Milan in the final 2-1.
This year around, the Reds find themselves in a déjà vu situation. Like last season, the Reds have drawn opposition in the round of 16, that would more be fitting for a final. Inter Milan, the Italian Champions, are coming to Anfield! It’s a mouth-watering clash. Utterly scintillating and a heavyweight clash that will be closely fought. This time around Rafa Benitez will not have to rely solely on his tactical genius, as Liverpool have a team that can match Inter on paper. Combined with a astute tactician in Champion League football in Rafa Benitez, it is very probable that the Reds will repeat a European run equal to or better than last season.
Nevertheless, Inter Milan are favourites. If the Reds do come out victorious—not for the first time, in fact for the sixth time in under Benitez—it will be a sheer triumph against all odds showing why the Mighty Reds are five time European champions and the most successful club in English football.
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