ANDY ROBERTSON hopes to leave the Anfield pitch tonight celebrating another famous Champions League recovery and a third straight quarter-final spot.
And the Scotland left-back could be greeted with even more good news as he heads towards the tunnel if Manchester City have once again blown up in the Premier League.
Liverpool stars Mo Salah, Sadio Mane and Virgil van Dijk step up preparations at Melwood for facing Spanish giants AtleticoCredit: Alamy Live News
Jurgen Klopp knows Liverpool must be more lethal in front of goal if they are to overturn their 1-0 first-leg deficit against AtleticoCredit: AFP or licensors
Robbo, 25, admits he thoroughly enjoyed watching City’s loss to Manchester neighbours United on Sunday, meaning Liverpool need just six points to win the title.
But he knows the champions- elect must focus on Atletico Madrid — one of the most awkward teams you can face at the top of European football.
The Reds must overturn a 1-0 deficit from the first leg of this fascinating last-16 battle.
Returning to the side after missing Saturday’s 2-1 over Bournemouth with a hamstring strain, Robertson said: “I watched the Manchester derby on Sunday. It was a good game and the result favoured us.
“It was quite nice sitting back knowing we had done our job on Saturday and were a step closer to winning the league without kicking a ball.
“It was obviously a nice feeling and one step closer to what we have all dreamed of. But now, we need to take care of our business in the Champions League.
It is do or die… We need a complete Liverpool performance… But if we are not at our best, we will go out.
Andy Robertson
“We know we are two wins away from ending 30 years of hurt for Liverpool fans — but this is about focusing on trying to get into the last eight.”
Pep Guardiola’s side face Arsenal at the same time Jurgen Klopp’s current Champions League kings are focusing on yet more European glory.
If City lose to the Gunners and against Burnley on Saturday, then the Reds will be champions before kicking a ball in anger in Monday’s Merseyside derby.
Scot Robbo added: “We cannot affect anything that is going on in Manchester.
“It is their game in hand against Arsenal but for us our full focus is here.
“If we get one step closer and they drop points then so be it but one eye will not be on that game.
“It is a different competition and this is the Champions League. We know it is do or die.”
Liverpool certainly have previous in terms of stunning Spanish opponents, although nothing will ever match the heroics of last season’s 4-0 win over Barcelona in the semi-finals after the 3-0 loss at the Nou Camp.
Left-back Andy Robertson says only the best will do to get through when Liverpool host Atletico in the return leg on Wednesday nightCredit: Alamy Live News
Brtazil frontman Roberto Firmino gets in gear for the Champions League last-16 return leg, which his Liverpool need to winCredit: EPA
Equally, while you always expect the Reds to score in every game they play, getting past Diego Simeone’s defensive team will be difficult.
Robertson added: “Over there, we never had a shot on target so if we do that again, we won’t get through.
“We dominated possession and I believe we will also do so at Anfield but it is what we do with that possession. We have to be clinical in front of goal.
“We are 1-0 down and we need to try and overturn that but on the flipside, we need to be aware of them going forward and try to keep a clean sheet to give us the best possible chance.
“We need a complete Liverpool performance and if we can do that we believe we can pose any team problems — and we can beat any team.
“But if we are not at our best, we will go out.”
Asked what he expects from his team compared to the first leg in Madrid, manager Klopp said: “More shots on target.
“We played against a team who is probably the world’s best at deep defending and they scored a goal which was slightly lucky.
“Getting a 0-0 there would have been a brilliant result but would not have made this game easier. We would still have to score.
“Atletico will fight until the end. That is what we do. That is why it is so interesting.
“They are an experienced team but not a lot of them have played in a stadium like Anfield, other than Diego Costa and Alvaro Morata.
“But against Atletico, we need to be brave. If you play predictable football, they’ll defend against you for six months without a rest.
“It is good what they do but there are ways to beat them. We have to find a way.
“We have to show we learned from the first leg and we want to go through.
“But if you are afraid, you cannot go out and play with freedom — and we have to do that.”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
