Kopites: tough days for Liverpool, which brings back time to 1984



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Sometimes you have to step back and appreciate what you are witnessing.

Wednesday night at the Allianz Arena was one of those occasions. No wonder Jurgen Klopp described it as the best European performance of his reign Anfield.

Liverpool was certainly more dazzled as an offensive force, especially when Roma were beaten in the first leg of last season's semi-final.

But in terms of balance and control, victory over Bayern Munich is another beast. You could see the development of Klopp's team and the value of the continental experience that they have accumulated.

Even when the Bundesliga giants found themselves in the match, thanks to Joel Matip's goal, there was no trace of panic. Liverpool has not wavered, they have kept their heads and have sailed in the last eight.



Virgil Van Dijk celebrates goals for Bayern Munich vs Liverpool
Virgil Van Dijk celebrates goals for Bayern Munich vs Liverpool

Despite all the rumors that Bayern is a decreasing force, it was the Reds who gave Niko Kovac the average appearance. It should be noted that Bayern was limited to two combined attempts.

It should be remembered that, when Liverpool had gone to Porto in the last 16 games of the Champions League, 13 months ago, the club had not even participated in a playoff match in the competition since 2009.

What a transformation Klopp has suffered as he prepares to face the Portuguese champions again in the quarter-finals next month.

The exciting run of last season in Kiev has restored Liverpool's reputation as a true European force and the five-time winners look even better equipped to face their challenges with their defensive steel.

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These are exciting days for the Kopites. Victory in trouble Fulham Sunday and the Reds will qualify for the international break at the top of the Premier League table.

That means that at the end of March, Liverpool will lead the title race and prepare for the quarter-finals of the European Cup.

To put this in context, they have not found themselves in this position at this point of the season since 1984, when Joe Fagan's team added both trophies to the League Cup.



(G-D) The Liverpool coaching team consisting of Chris Lawler, Roy Evans, managers Joe Fagan and Ronnie Moran celebrate with the Europa Cup, Rome 1984
(G-D) The Liverpool coaching team consisting of Chris Lawler, Roy Evans, managers Joe Fagan and Ronnie Moran celebrate with the Europa Cup, Rome 1984

Ten years ago this week, Rafa Benitez's Liverpool continued their 4-0 loss to Real Madrid with a 4-1 win at Old Trafford when Andrea Dossena completed the rout.

But even after that result, the Reds remained four points behind Manchester United, who had one game less. In the space of a few weeks, both shots to fame were gone with the defeat against Chelsea in the quarterfinals of the Champions League and a 4-4 draw with Arsenal in the league.

This time, the battle against Manchester City is much tighter, with only one point between them and eight games to play. It was Pep Guadiola's team that faced a more demanding program in the decisive month of April that allowed them to win a European match with Tottenham.

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Despite all the talk about pressure, nerves and the abandonment of this seven-point lead over City, Liverpool remains in a fantastic position.

All these things about "bottling" are simply absurd. The Reds have never accumulated more points in 30 first-season league games. Their current total of 73 equals their best total at this stage in 1904/05 and 1987/88.

Beat Fulham on Sunday and they will have exceeded last season's total points with seven games to go. The pace of progress has been incredible.


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In terms of the Premier League period, they also have their best goal difference (+51) and the fewest goals conceded (17).

It's a side of Liverpool to cherish. They fought for the two biggest club football awards themselves.

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