Roma stunned on their last visit to Anfield

A world class performance from Gerard Houllier's Liverpool side secured them their place in the last eight of the Champions League for the first time in 17 years when Roma last travelled to Merseyside. 

A Jari Litmanen spot-kick in the seventh minute gave Liverpool an early lead that was doubled by a towering Emile Heskey header after half-time. '2-0' the scoreboard read at full-time and Roma had a long journey back to Italy ahead of them.

Fans at Anfield now hold fond memories of that European night. Thanks to defiant defending, inspired attacking and an empowering team spirit, the Reds efficiently swept aside the Romans who, spearheaded by none other than Francesco Totti, failed to challenge Jerzy Dudek between the sticks.  

After the game, the then-Roma manager Fabio Capello was still dumbfounded by Liverpool's prowess. "I've never seen Liverpool play like this," he stated, still in shock. 

Liverpool legend Phil Thompson was elated by his side's display that night: "This was one of the greatest nights in this football club's history," he declared. "We can go to the final, there is that much confidence in this team and this squad. There is a belief that we can win the European Cup."

Liverpool were ultimately undone by Bayer Leverkusen (3-4 agg.) in the next round of the competition. The Reds would have to wait until 2005 for their Champions League triumph when they produced one of the greatest comebacks the game has ever seen in Istanbul. Trailing 3-0 at half-time to AC Milan, Rafa Benitez's men dug deep and lifted the trophy following a thrilling penalty shoot-out. 

Tonight, Roma return to Anfield for the first time since their nightmarish defeat. Seeking revenge, they'll be determined to right the wrongs of their European past. 

 

19 March 2015