Josue Jamlang


What: Europa League semi-final second leg
Who: Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid
When: Thursday 29th April, 2010, at 20:05 BST
Where: Anfield, Liverpool, England

Ending on a High Note

Liverpool have followed up almost winning the Premier League last year with a inexplicably horrific 2009/10 season. The Reds don’t have to end the campaign empty handed however, with Europa League glory well within reach despite needing to overturn a 1-0 first leg deficit against Atletico Madrid.

With the second leg being played at Anfield, and with the Kop cheering them on, the Merseyside giants will undoubtedly be more confident going into the second leg of their crunch semi-final tie. Although the absence of key player Maxi Rodriguez, who is cup tied in the competition, will certainly be felt, Liverpool will take comfort in their magnificent unbeaten run in their famed ground.

The Reds have not lost at home since mid-January, and have proven to be totally different animal when in front of their club’s faithful. On the back of a magnificent two-goal performance from captain Steven Gerrard at the weekend, Liverpool are looking desperate to end the season with some silverware to lift the spirits of their supporters.

Keeping the Double Dream Alive

Although Atletico Madrid may be lying innocuously in the middle of the La Liga standings, they are still on course for a remarkable double, having already qualified for the Spanish cup final. Extra motivation will certainly not be needed, as the side work towards a chance to turn what was a mediocre season, into a magnificent one.

Diego Forlan’s bundled-in goal was enough to separate the two sides last week, ensuring Atletico will have a significant advantage going into the second leg. Should the Spanish side manage to score at Anfield, Liverpool would have to score at least three goals in order to triumph in the tie – not an easy task against a quality team.

Despite the club’s advantage, there will understandably be some anxiety among the team’s supporters, who have only witnessed their side win twice in their last 13 outings away from home, however the return from Sergio Aguero from suspension should serve to ease some nerves.

Recent form

Liverpool:
Liverpool 3-0 West Ham United (19/04; Premier League)
Atletico Madrid 1-0 Liverpool (22/04; Europa League)
Burnley 0-4 Liverpool (25/04; Premier League)

Atletico Madrid:
Villarreal 2-1 Atletico Madrid (17/04; La Liga)
Atletico Madrid 1-0 Liverpool (22/04; Europa League)
Atletico Madrid 3-1 Tenerife (25/04; La Liga)

Key absences

Liverpool: Dirk Kuyt (doubt); David N’gog (doubt); Emiliano Insua; Fernando Torres; Maxi Rodriguez (cup tied)

Atletico Madrid: Pablo Ibanez; Raul Garcia (doubt)

Players to watch

Liverpool – Steven Gerrard: The Liverpool captain hasn’t enjoyed quite the type of season that has come to be expected of him, but Steven Gerrard is rarely the type to go missing on the big occasion. Having bagged two goals in last weekend’s match against Burnley, the talismanic midfielder could be rediscovering his form at just the right time for The Reds. Having scored plenty of vital goals for his club in the past, don’t be surprised if Gerrard is once again responsible for a famous victory.

Atletico Madrid – Sergio Aguero: Although it was Diego Forlan who scored the decisive goal in the first leg, it was the absence of Sergio Aguero due to suspension that ensured Atletico’s attack wasn’t at full strength. With the young Argentine joining the former Manchester United man in attack, Atletico’s chances of scoring that all-decisive away goal increase significantly.

Match prediction

Although Atletico Madrid were impressive in the first leg, their inability to capitalise on their numerous chances put them in a precarious position heading into what will surely be a pumping Anfield atmosphere. With Liverpool eager to salvage their disastrous campaign, expect the The Reds to edge it 2-0.

Fancy a bet on this exciting game? Remember, you can find and compare the prices of all major online bookmakers at tip-ex.com.


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