Top 5 Anfield moments since the 2008/09 season
Anfield, the home and fortress of Liverpool Football Club since 1892, has proven itself time and again to be a very intimidating atmosphere to play in. The ‘Kopites’ as the supporters call themselves have turned this stadium into what it is now – a nightmare for the opposition. Some wave their scarves up in the air, others brandish their banners, while they all sing “You’ll Never Walk Alone” with their hearts out. Voices echo in unison, pushing each Liverpool player to perform to the best of their abilities. Liverpool FC would not have been what it is today, without Anfield and its 12th man.
Known for its special ‘European Nights’ and clashes against other English rivals, Anfield has hosted numerous nail-biting matches. Here, we take a look at 5 of the most memorable moments spanning a decade starting from the 2008/09 season till the end of the 2018/19 season:
Note: This article was originally published on September 19, 2019 by guest writer Lanvungthung Yanthan.
5. vs. Real Madrid 4-0, 2008/09, UCL Round of 16, 2nd leg
Madrid getting schooled by Liverpool in the ‘08/09 season of the UCL takes up the fifth spot. The Kopites witnessed Torres at his best, returning from injury to torment his former foes and Gerrard roaring with the double. Had it not been for Casillas’ heroics in front of goal, the score-line would have been even more humbling for the Madridistas.
4. vs. Manchester City 3-0, 2017/18, UCL Quarter Final, 1st leg
City were touted to be the favourites to win the Champions League that season given their dominance at home. Then came along Klopp’s Liverpool. High pressure in the midfield thwarted City’s potent passing game, and a ruthless front three comprised of Sadio Mané, Roberto Firmino, and Mohamed Salah tore through their defence in convincing fashion. They eventually made it to the final of the UCL where they were beaten 3-1 by Real Madrid.
3. vs. Manchester United 3-1, 2010/11, Premier League, Game week 29
It was Dirk Kuyt’s most productive EPL season in front of goal with 13 total strikes. 3 of those came against bitter rivals United. A January 2011 signing by name of Luis Suárez was directly involved in all three goals (a sign of things to come).
2. vs. Dortmund 4-3, 2015/16, Europa League Cup, Quarter-Final, 2nd leg
After a 1-1 draw at the first leg, Liverpool found themselves with 1 goal to Dortmund’s 3. They needed to score 3 goals with less than 25 minutes left on the clock to reach the semi-finals. Philippe Coutinho and Mamadou Sakho obliged, and Dejan Lovren headed home at stoppage time, completing a truly astounding comeback.
1. vs. Barcelona 4-0, 2018/19, UCL, Semi-Final, 2nd leg
3-0 down from the 1st leg at Nou Camp against an in-form Barcelona team with two of their starting 11 players (Roberto Firmino, and Mohamed Salah) injured. Clearly, the odds were stacked against Liverpool. Surely, the footballing gods heard the chants of the Anfield faithful! Divock Origi and Georginio Wijnaldum rocked two goals each amidst the pandemonium accompanied with pure euphoria at Anfield.
THIS IS ANFIELD they said, they were right. There is something special about this fortress. “Walk on with hopes in your heart and You’ll Never Walk Alone.”
