What a feeling this is!
Absolutely clueless as to how I'll survive these next 4 days, 12 hours and change. Tick, tock, tick, tock....
In 2005, I was 14 years old, confined to watching the drama unfold at home, while my dad was there. Witnessing history being made in the Atatürk Stadium. Now, 13 years later, I get to travel to a far foreign land, and watch how an army of reds will invade this former soviet city. There are many comparisons, which can be made to that fateful night in Istanbul. A Liverpool side, that on paper, looks like its second class to the opponent at hand. A general vibe of us being out of our depth. A controversial goal (or non-goal) that helped us along the way... But as for the bad, there is this whispering sound of belief among reds everywhere. There might be hesitation, but by god, I know each and everyone of us, believes that this team can give the mighty Real Madrid a game. And that's what it will come down to.
Showing up. This group of young and talented lads, just has to fucking show up. We cannot approach this tie with fear, fear of this opponent composed of luxury mercenaries. We're the most prolific goal scoring side in the competition. The mighty James Milner, topping the assists table. They laughed at us, when we signed him from the Mancs. But look at him now, 32 years young, leaving everything out there, every time he puts on that famous shirt. There's not much more to say about the front three, but watching them play, is like going to the opera. A perfectly choreographed symphony of cohesion, understanding and synchronicity.
For the 'new generation' of reds - that I count myself to - these past 10 years have been a test. A test of will and passion. Watching Chelsea lift the champions league, Abu Dhabi FC spending a quadrillion pounds on useless defenders and the Mancs winning everything. Now, it is our time again. On the center court, on the world stage. Thousands of reds will now commence their pilgrimage. We will descend on Kiev, there will be flags and banners plastered across the city. Everything to give our lads that little bit more, that split second, which can make the difference.
Last but definitely not least, remember to enjoy it. Who knows when the next such night will come our way.
Sing your hearts out and lets show these glory stricken bunch of plastic flag waving tourists how its done.
Up the reds!
Tick, tock, tick, tock...