This Wednesday's game against Olympiacos is the Reds' most important game of the season so far. A 1-0 win or any other victory by two goals over Olympiacos will see us advance to the knock out stages of the Champions League in February.
So it's up to us as fans to create the best possible atmosphere we can to help the Reds to the win we need. The game resonates with memories of Roma in the last group stage in March 2002 where we needed a two goal win to advance. That night is often remembered for Gerard Houllier's surprise return from illness to the touchline, but should also be remembered for the incredible atmoshpere that was generated on the night and saw us tear into Roma and win 2-0 with goals by Jari and Emile. Fabio Capello described his Roma team that night as being like an umbrella trying to cope with a hurricane such was the passion from our team and fans.
So on Wednesday bring any flags you have, old or new; bring scarves, wear Red, and bring anything you can think of to add to the occasion - especially your singing voice. We all know that a bit of lubrication pre-match can help in this respect so tell the boss you're off to the dentist and get down the pub early. If you've not heard it then listen to the new Rafa Benitez song to get you in the mood and get practicing:
Ra-ra-Rafa Benitez (to the tune 'La Bamba') - recorded live at Villa Park:
http://www.redandwhitekop.com/images/misc/rafabenitez.mp3Ra-ra-Rafa Benitez
Ra-ra-Rafa Benitez
Xabi Alonso, Garcia and Nunez
Ra Ra Rafa
Ra Ra Rafa
Ra-ra-Rafa Benitez .......Quotes from the players:
Stevie G has said " We can do it at Anfield, with the fans behind us" and Sami chipped in with "The crowd definitely helped us against Roma and we need to get them behind us again".
And if you need any more proof of why we should make that special effort in the week of the derby v Everton read the words of our newest recruit Xabi Alonso on the possibility of a groundshare:
"I support the fans who don't want it ... I prefer it when each team has their own stadium."
And Rafa on the same subject: "In terms of atmosphere it is better that a team plays in its own stadium
Rafa and Xabi have barely been here a few months and they already understand what it means to be a Red and how important the fans and Anfield are. Make them proud of our stadium and us.
So spread the word, we need everybody to make the effort and make it a great noisy Scouse night. Wear yer Granny's rosette, bring a rattle, dust down that favourite banner you took to Paris in 81. Bring your flag and wave it with pride. But most importantly bring yourself and make this a Flag Day to remember. It could be a special one.
Come on you Reds! Liverpool Liverpool Liverpool ....----------------
Once more there will also be a mosaic on the Kop for a big European night. As ever it is being organised by Andy Knott of the Red All Over The Land fanzine in conjunction with the club. They're looking for volunteers to help lay out the specially designed cards that will form a mosaic in honour of the 96 Liverpool fans who lost their lives at Hillsborough and the 21 Olympiacos supporters who were killed in a similar disaster in Athens 23 years ago.
Andy explains: "Greek football's darkest day came on February 8th 1981 at the end of an Athens 'derby' between Olympiacos CFP and AEK Athens FC at the Karaiskakis stadium but so little has ever been told about it.
"Olympiacos, the home side, ran out comfortable 6-0 winners, but the margin of the victory caused an unprecedented rush by their fans to leave the stadium in order to meet the victorious players at the stadium entrance.
"Unfortunately, in their eagerness to leave the stadium, the stairs of Gate 7 in particular, became overwhelmed. People rushed down the angled stairs, but not being able to see that those ahead of them were unable to exit, a crush ensued, leaving 21 supporters dead and many others injured.
"This mosaic is in memory of the 96 and 21 and a real gesture on our behalf to the Greeks who lost their lives."
At the away fixture in Greece, in a wonderful gesture, members of the Gate 7 fan group paraded a banner in front of our fans at the end of the game.
If you would like to volunteer your services on the morning of the match, Andy can be contacted on the following email address: akraotl@aol.com
© RAWK 2004