Liverpool Take On Marseille in Crunch Match

Two and a half years ago, on a hot summer night in Istanbul...

Inside the Ataturk Stadium, thousands of Liverpool fans watch on in horror as their team submit to a first half thrashing at the hands of AC Milan. This is European Football’s flagship competition, and here in the final, Liverpool has just not turned up.

Then something magical happens.

I’m sure we are all familiar with the story. Whatever Rafael Benitez said, or however Steven Gerrard rallied the troops, Liverpool somehow managed to overturn a 3-0 deficit and defeat Milan on penalties in order to claim the club’s fifth European Cup success.

Last year, despite some of the most difficult ties along the way, Liverpool somehow ploughed on to another final—but this time in Athens, both teams seemed a little lacklustre on the night, whether due to nerves or exhaustion after a gruelling season.

Milan won the day and claimed their revenge on a night where either team could have won, and both teams should have played better. But the achievement in reaching the final must not be forgotten.

And now here we are in 2007.

Liverpool is faced with the impossible again. One point from three games means that in order to secure advancement from the group stage, the Reds must win their remaining three games.

Cue the biggest win in Champion’s League history—an 8-0 thrashing of Besiktas at Anfield. This is followed up by a slightly flattering 4-1 from a first-half faltering Liverpool, but the performance isn’t always paramount.

Now, it’s the points that count. So here we are, with December the 11th creeping ever closer—and with it comes the fate of Liverpool’s doom in this year’s competition.

Can they finish the resurrection and secure another fantastic comeback?

It will no doubt be a cold night as the players of Marseille and Liverpool take to the pitch in the Stade Vélodrome, with everything hanging in the balance. Any of the four teams could progress, with each knowing that they need this one victory to advance.

Liverpool has come so far, and as of late is showing lethal form, with Fernando Torres and Peter Crouch providing much needed prowess up front.

But will Liverpool be able to best the side who defeated them 1-0 at Anfield? Or is this final push too much for the Reds?

Only time will tell, as Liverpool looks to once more burst forth like a phoenix from the flames.