They’ll need a miracle, but Lord knows if there’s one team in Europe who can do it, it’s Liverpool.
After Lionel Messi took the game by the scruff of the neck and bent it to his will last Wednesday night, Jurgen Klopp’s men will need to conjure up a season’s-best performance to overturn a 3-0 deficit from the Camp Nou.
And after the weekend that was, that task doesn’t look any easier.
Shorn of Premier League top goalscorer Mo Salah and Brazilian star Roberto Firmino, the Reds will be looking to Sadio Mane and Divock Origi for inspiration against a stubborn Catalan defence.
Barcelona, meanwhile, make a welcome return to Anfield.
They’ve won here on their only two visits in the Champions League and will hope chief tormentor Messi can inflict more misery on Merseyside.
A result tonight against Barcelona would rank up their among Liverpool’s great European nights – their 2016 comeback against Borussia Dortmund more recently, as well as the Miracle of Istanbul 14 years ago.
As a domestic league title appears to be slipping out of their reach, tonight’s match may represent Liverpool’s last chance to come away with any silverware from what has been a truly remarkable season.
Kick-off this evening is at 8pm.
Right, let’s bring you some team news.
With Salah and Firmino out, here’s how Liverpool will line up this evening:
Liverpool: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Fabinho, Milner, Henderson; Shaqiri, Mané, Origi.
Barcelona: Ter Stegen; Roberto, Piqué, Lenglet, Alba; Busquets, Rakitić, Vidal; Messi, Coutinho, Suárez.
Ahead of kick-off, let’s bring you some of tonight’s pre-match reading.
Obviously we’ve got two of our main goalscorers out, but it also presents an opportunity for some of the other lads to come in, make a name for themselves and make themselves heroes,” Trent Alexander-Arnold said ahead of tonight’s game.
Klopp was realistic about his side’s chances of progressing to a second consecutive final, but with the memory of Liverpool’s remarkable comeback in the 2005 final against AC Milan fresh in their fans’ minds, the German refuses to give up hope.
Together with our supporters it was a long season and there is at least a little chance to make it even longer.”
You can read the full preview for tonight’s game right here.
With 45 minutes until kick-off, we’re asking if Liverpool will make it to back-to-back Champions League finals?
Poll Results:
Graeme Souness tells Virgin Media Sport he doesn’t believe City’s win over Leicester on Monday will have any effect on Liverpool’s mindset ahead of tonight’s game.
If the tweet doesn’t play, click here.
That’s the spirit, Mo.
Liverpool received a raucous welcome to Anfield this evening.
Will we see a new face turn out for Liverpool this evening?
Jurgen Klopp confirmed this week that teenage forward Rhian Brewster would be part of Liverpool’s squad for tonight’s second leg against Barcelona.
The 19-year-old is on the bench this evening, and the German coach is confident in the England youth international’s ability.
He’s ready,” Klopp said.
“The situations are always like this. In an ideal world, in a season you always have much more players than you can involve in a squad.
“Rhian has now arrived with us after being heavily injured. Day by day, he has got better and better.”
You can read all of the Liverpool manager’s comments here.
We’re approaching kick-off, time to get your predictions in.
Let us know how you see tonight’s game panning out in the comments section below.
Let’s just enjoy this one more time…
‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ rings out around Anfield ahead of kick-off.
The Big European Night™ feeling has engulfed Merseyside.
This place on big these nights is special, magical,” says Didi Hamann.
The atmosphere sounds absolutely amazing, but you get the feeling that if Barcelona score first this place will go flat – particularly if Suarez gets one over on his old club again.
‘YNWA’ actually drowns out the Champions League anthem. Moments from kick-off.
Settle in.
Kick-off! We’re underway at Anfield.
The visitors tip off.
The game as expected, gets off at a rate of knots.
Shaqiri knocks the ball to the back post but it’s turned behind for a Liverpool corner.
Fabinho misses the header at the near post. Cleared.
Messi gets a hefty challenge early on from Fabinho – the Argentine looks set to be in for a rough and tumble night.
Liverpool are pressing looking for an early opener.
The Barca front two allow Van Dijk to play it out from the back and Robertson is looking for Mané every chance he gets down the left wing.
No chances just yet but Liverpool have shown great energy in the opening five minutes of play.
GOAL!!! Liverpool 1-0 Barcelona [Origi]
What a start for Liverpool!
A stunning, stunning start from Liverpool.
Mané does incredibly well to cut out a header back after Matip’s lofted pass is cut out.
Shaqiri plays in Henderson whose shot is saved by Ter Stegen and Origi follows in to turn it home from six yards.
Stunning stuff – the energy here is absolutely incredible.
Big call – Mané tumbles in the box, but no penalty is given.
Clumbsy from Sergi Roberto. Frantic, frenetic opening 10 minutes.
Mané is denied shortly after this – offside is called however.
Barcelona are yet to muster anything in this opening period of the game.
They’ve had one corner and that was easily dealt with.
Liverpool, meanwhile, look dangerous every chance they come forward.
When Barca finally do get a chance, on the counter-attack, Messi has his shot turned over the bar by Alisson.
Corner Barcelona. Headed away.
Barcelona enjoy a decent little spell of possession to try and find their rhythm.
Messi has an incredible chance to draw the visitors level after a short cutback, Van Dijk just knicks it off his toe.
Lovely ball over the top, Liverpool defenders were waiting for an offside flag to be raised but none was forthcoming.
On the break once again, Coutinho forces a good stop from Alisson.
WIDE! Messi rifles a half-volley past the post.
From the resulting corner of Coutinho’s chance, Messi stalks the edge of the box and as the ball is cleared out to him, his shot flies narrowly past Alisson’s left-hand post.
Mané brings the ball forward and looks for the run of Henderson, but it’s cut out.
Liverpool keep the pressure on and Henderson’s shot with the outside of the right boot comes off Pique’s head and cleared away.
The home side aren’t giving Barca a moment’s rest as they press in the middle of the pitch.
Robertson’s shot is then saved by Ter Stegen.
Liverpool again living with that Barcelona threat.
This time it’s Robertson who cuts out the pass aimed at Suarez and guides it back to his goalkeeper who clears.
Shaqiri tries to ignite another Liverpool attack but it’s intercepted. Breathless stuff as we move past the halfway point of the first half.
Barcelona’s patience on the ball has gone some way to stifling Liverpool’s momentum.
The visitors win a corner after a cross from the right wing is cleared.
Messi’s deep cross to the back post and to strike partner Suarez is flagged offside.
Alba and Lenglet are involved in an accidental clash – so we’ll have a few moments of break while they receive treatment.
Henderson is down holding his knee after a collision – looks like his night might be over.
Wijnaldum looks like he’ll come on to replace the skipper – Henderson hobbles off for treatment gingerly.
Milner breaks down the middle of the pitch and looks to feed Mané but Lenglet sticks his arm out and prevents the run.
No foul. Liverpool crowd cry injustice.
They’ll feel hard done by for one or two decisions in the opening half.
On replay, Mané is moreso eased out of the way by Lenglet.
Henderson is back on the pitch – doesn’t look like he’ll be coming off after all.
Shaqiri’s cross into the box is easily collected by Ter Stegen. There’s 10 minutes remaining in the opening half, the home side will be hoping they can notch another before the break.
Robertson is clipped by Suarez’s trailing leg and he’s now down receiving treatment.
Looks like is might be an ankle issue. Robertson is back on his feet, leaves the pitch.
He comes back on. Liverpool players soldiering through this evening.
Mané almost in behind the defence but Pique cuts it out.
Shaqiri chips it over the top and looks like it’ll make the Liverpool forward but Pique’s touch just takes it out of his path.
Robertson’s shot comes off Vidal’s arm and goes behind for a corner. Half-time is approaching fast.
Corner cleared as far as Alexander-Arnold but the shot is blocked.
Barca break. There’s no way through a wall of red for Lionel Messi as Liverpool swarm to win it back.
Four minutes to be added on at the end of the half.
Yellow card for Busquets as he follows through on Fabinho in the air.
The Liverpool midfield are always looking for the run of the front three.
Origi and Mané in particular look alive to Liverpool’s attack, with Fabinho, Milner and Henderson looking to supply them as soon as they can.
Meanwhile, Messi shoots from outside the box and it runs by the post.
Corner for Liverpool is cleared away and Barca break.
Alba runs in behind the Liverpool defence and he’s expertly picked out by Messi – fabulous ball threaded through.
Alisson pulls off a wonderful saved to deny him and Liverpool go in ahead at the break.
Half time: Liverpool 1-0 Barcelona
What a first half of action.
Liverpool flew out of the blocks and their early pressure paid off with Origi’s goal on seven minutes.
Mané and Origi are offering Liverpool that cutting edge up front, as is Henderson who isn’t afraid to surge up from midfield.
Fabinho also having a pretty good game, while the Liverpool defence have held firm.
Barcelona aren’t without their threat. Messi has had two chances flash past the post, while Alisson has been forced to make a good save from Coutinho and an even better one from Jordi Alba just before the break.
Liverpool are still in this tie.
Some light half-time reading as we await the restart.
We want to hear from you.
Will Barcelona be held scoreless this evening? Can Liverpool muster another three goals in the second half or force the game to extra-time with another two?
Let us know what you thought of that first half performance.
We’re getting close to the start of the second half.
We’re back underway.
One change for Liverpool – Wijnaldum is on for Robertson, so Milner drops into the left back position.
The Reds shooting into the Kop. The home side win an early corner.
Van Dijk’s pass back in from the cleared corner is cut out.
Suarez looks to set Messi away but Henderson races to clear the ball.
Barca are going to do everything in their power in this second half to slow the game down.
Matip finds Shaqiri who crosses for Wijnaldum. It’s headed away, but Liverpool remain on the attack. Mané drives forward but slips and Barca then win a throw-in.
Mané again looks menacing up front – Sergi Roberto comes back to close him down as he races through.
Corner Liverpool. Great save from Ter Stegen!
Van Dijk back-heels it from inside the six yard box and it’s stopped by the Barca goalkeeper at point blank range.
Down the other end, Alisson pulls off another good save this time to deny Suarez. It’s not the best effort from the former Liverpool man, but it keeps the home side in the lead.
Rakitic is booked for a deliberate hand ball.
GOAL! Liverpool 2-0 Barcelona [Wijnaldum]
The comeback is well and truly on!
Liverpool are two goals to the good!
Substitute Wijnaldum scores to put the Reds 2-0 ahead. He gets on the end of Alexander-Arnold’s brilliant cross, hitting it first time.
Ter Stegen gets a hand to it, but it hits off the turf and back of the keepers’ back and into the net!
GOAL!!! Liverpool 3-0 Barcelona [Wijnaldum]
This! Is! Unbelievable!
Wijnaldum does it again!
The Dutchman gets on the end of a dangerous cross and heads into the top corner of the net! Liverpool had clawed back the deficit and are now well and truly in the ascendancy.
What a start to the second half.
Barca look as though they’re panicking now, they just can’t keep hold of the ball.
You can never count out Barcelona.
Lionel Messi will rightly still be considered Barca’s biggest threat, but Liverpool look like a team possessed.
Coutinho comes off for Nélson Semedo.
Anfield is rocking.
Super Sub.
The clock ticks past the hour mark.
Liverpool win a freekick over the right hand side after Vidal’s handball. Alexander-Arnold stands over it.
Headed away.
Fabinho has another nibble at Suarez. He’s already on a yellow card so he’ll want to mind himself for the remainder of tonight’s game.
Rakitic slips as Liverpool try to break away.
Barca keep possession and Messi runs at the Liverpool defence. Matip chops him down. Barca win the freekick.
Messi, like last week, stands over the ball.
Similar position to last week, too. Shot into the wall and a massive sigh of relief is let out around Anfield.
Messi again is the dangerman as he forces another good save from Alisson.
His shot from a tight angle is right at the Liverpool goalkeeper, however, and the resulting corner is over-hit, bouncing harmlessly behind.
Alisson’s saves tonight, particularly his one to deny Alba, have proven to be crucial.
Barcelona come again at Liverpool.
Whistles ring around the ground. Liverpool’s press forces a long ball and an offside call against the visitors.
Klopp’s men look much more comfortable stroking the ball around the pitch now. Barca don’t seem to have the same precision as usual.
Arthur comes on for Vidal.
We’re into the final 15 minutes.
Two Wijnaldum goals in two minutes have turned this game on its head.
Liverpool win a freekick on the left wing, Milner prepares to take it.
He goes short and Alexander-Arnold takes a shot from a mile out. Flies over the bar.
Alexander-Arnold wins a corner off Roberto.
Taken quickly…
GOAL!!! Liverpool 4-0 Barcelona [Origi]
Staggering stuff at Anfield.
Dear oh dear, Barcelona.
The visitors fall asleep at the corner, turning away from the ball.
Alexander-Arnold recognizes this and takes it quick, fires it low into Origi and he gets his second of the night.
That is absolutely calamitous. Good finish too into the top left hand corner.
Liverpool come again.
Hard to believe this was the same team who played Liverpool off the park for large parts of last week’s first leg.
Alexander-Arnold wins another corner for the home side.
Shaqiri comes off for Joe Gomez. Origi is down now, there might be a little break now as he receives treatment.
After his two goals, Origi comes off for Liverpool.
He will rightly get a standing ovation as Joe Gomez comes into the fold.
Liverpool freekick for a handball, not a corner, pardon me.
Shaqiri wins a header at the back post but it’s over the bar.
Into the final few minutes of the game.
Barcelona still only need one, remember.
They move up outside the Liverpool half and try to work an opening. Their cross is no good, Alisson easily comes out to collect.
Van Dijk also proves his worth as he cuts out a dangerous cross. We could be looking at five or so minutes of stoppage time.
Sturridge will come into the fold for Shaqiri.
Five minutes of added time will be played.
Wijnaldum finds Mané again who breaks away.
Barcelona look very stretched at the back as they go in search of a goal that will put them through. He strays offside.
Barcelona again come forward and attack but when they get in the box there is a swarm of red shirts. It’s all hands on deck now for Liverpool. Two of the five minutes played.
Fabinho makes a tackle in the centre circle and drives forward and wins the freekick.
This should be enough for Liverpool now…
One of the greatest nights in the club’s long history.
Liverpool come back from a 3-0 first-leg deficit to beat Barcelona 4-0 and progress to the Champions League final for the second year in-a-row.
Two goals from Divock Origi and Georginio Wijnaldum earn Jurgen Klopp a famous win at Anfield.
An incredible result for the Reds, who will now meet Tottenham or Ajax in the final.
Who saw that coming?!
Stay with us for all the reaction coming up, but from myself that’s all for now. Bye!