Liverpool - Spartak Moscow: Basel's obsession

(Baonghean.vn) - Coach Klopp and his team only need to draw against the team from Russia to officially enter the knockout round.

The task sounds very simple but in fact it is not easy at all. In all aspects, Liverpool is better than their opponent Spartak Moscow. The advantage of playing at home at Anfield - where The Kop has not suffered any defeat this season in all competitions (6 wins, 4 draws), the opportunity for Salah and his teammates to have more than 1 point against Spartak Moscow is within reach.

The last time the Russian team visited Anfield was a 0-5 defeat in the 2002/2003 Champions League group stage.

In addition to the home field advantage, Liverpool are also rated much higher than Spartak Moscow in terms of strength, form and experience in the Champions League. In the hands of coach Klopp are a series of top players such as Coutinho, Salah, Firmino, Mane, Henderson... with a level far superior to the average faces of Spartak Moscow.

In addition, the home team Anfield is also in good form with an 8-match unbeaten streak (6 wins, 2 draws). The 5-1 thrashing of host Brighton in round 15 of the Premier League is clear proof.

The first leg between the two teams in Russia ended in a 1-1 draw. Photo: Internet

Furthermore, the “Red Brigade” has always been considered one of the most talented teams in the C1 Cup/Champions League. The achievement of winning 5 championships (the most successful in England in European Cups) is enough to affirm the stature of Liverpool.

And don't forget, in his coaching career (up to now), the team led by coach Klopp has never been eliminated in the group stage. Therefore, under the direction of the German strategist, Liverpool will not easily let Spartak Moscow steal their ticket to the knockout round.

However, in football, the element of surprise always exists. Liverpool itself has benefited from surprises many times and has also been the victim of surprises many times. Surely Liverpudlians still have not forgotten the memory of December 10, 2014.

That day, The Kop hosted Basel at Anfield in the final round of the 2014/2015 Champions League group stage. To qualify for the knockout round, Liverpool had to beat the Swiss team (Liverpool were 2 points behind Basel). The goal seemed too simple for Gerrard and his teammates.

Unfortunately, after 90 minutes of competition at Anfield, Liverpool were held to a 1-1 draw by their opponents (Gerrard and Markovic scored). The result also meant that The Kop were eliminated and had to watch the Basel players win tickets to the next round.

3 years have passed but Liverpool fans still cannot forget the sad memory of December 10, 2014. Now the team from the Port City is facing a life-or-death match with Spartak Moscow, and Liverpool fans have reason to worry about coach Klopp and his team.

Captain Gerrard (right) was disappointed when Liverpool was held to a draw by Basel in 2014. Photo: Internet

If Liverpool's defense continues to perform poorly, with elementary mistakes like in the away match against Sevilla about 2 weeks ago (3-3 draw), the prospect of Salah and his teammates having to play in the Europa League is entirely possible.

If The Kop can maintain the necessary composure and reasonable tactics of coach Klopp, victory will belong to the home team. The 3 points won against Spartak Moscow will not only help Liverpool get a ticket to the knockout round, but also help them get the top spot in the group.

To achieve the above goal, the Anfield team must not repeat the mistake of nearly 3 years ago. Don't forget, Spartak Moscow is only 3 points behind Liverpool. In case the Russian team wins, Sevilla defeats Maribor in the match at the same time, coach Klopp and his team will have to say goodbye to the 2017/2018 Champions League right in the group stage./.

Thanh Hung