For countless reasons the evening of March 19th 2002 was one to celebrate. Firstly Gerard Houllier's emotional, yet triumphant return to the Anfield dugout. Secondly the return of an Anfield atmosphere which spurs on the players instead of hindering them, and finally a return to the elite last eight of Europe's premiere club competition for the first time in 17 years. Coupled with this series of returns came the return of singing in the Anfield streets as people returned to their homes, cars and coaches. I guess you could say we're back!
It was one of those nights that the 'good old boy's' are always recollecting just to annoy you, knowing you were too young to remember or be part of yourself. Endless stories of St Etienne and the like will always be fondly remembered but in the last two seasons we have had two occasions which have surely matched those legendary nights.
With the absence of Michael Owen and Didi Hamann threatening to undermine our hopes of qualification for the quarter finals, the Reds were handed the greatest fitness boost of all time which the heavily touted homecoming of inspirational leader Gerard Houllier.
Many had thought and indeed hoped that Houllier's return would be a massive event with a big build up to a return date, coupled with a presentation to the fans and maybe a speech of some sort. But those who know Gerard will tell you that that is not the great mans style. Individuality will always come a distant second to team ethic in GH's book and as modest as ever he took his place in the dugout, almost sneaking in unannounced trying not to be noticed, like a husband trying not to creek the floorboards when coming in from a night on the ale.
Obviously this was to be the perfect tonic for the Anfield crowd who were already chomping at the bit, for the action to get underway, and in as fine a voice as I can ever recollect at Anfield.¤ As the Houllier songs reverberated around L4 almost blowing the roof off of the place, on the pitch the Reds had come out of the traps at lightning pace.
With Vladi and Heskey upfront and Jari in the hole behind, the Reds finally adopted the formation which the fans have been clamouring all season and it took just five minutes for Liverpool to test Antonioli's goal as Vladimir Smicer's rasping drive is tipped around the post by the big Italian. However from the resulting corner Murphy is stupidly fouled just inside the penalty and the perfect start we'd all dreamed of looks like it can be ours.
Suddenly memories of last years nail biter spring to mind. Namely Antonioli's penalty save from Michael Owen at the same end. But this wasn't the boy wonder - whose penalties are known to be a little shaky - this was king of cool Jari Litmanen. Was there ever any doubt that he'd score? NO, NO and HELL NO. 1-nil.
The already crazy atmosphere reached a new height following the mighty mullet's spot kick and a totally shell-shocked Roma outfit looked as if they wanted to go home there and then. It didn't look as if it was going to get any better for the Italian giants who seemed to have turned up with a 'going through the motions' attitude, how wrong could they have been.
The Reds nearly doubled their advantage on 20 minutes as Riise whizzed a left foot volley just wide from 25 yards. This seemed to shake the Serie A champions into action as they began to string a few passes together, but without ever threatening the big pole in our goal. As Roma began to come back into the game, this is usually the time that Didi would get stuck in and break up most of the attacks before they got anywhere near Sami and Steph. Well tonight there was no German spoiler, but it is doubtful whether his presence would have been as effective as that of Murphy and Man of the Match Steven Gerrard, both of whom were magnificent in defence and attack.
Jamie Carragher and Riise were also having stormers on the left hand side, I'll never forget the sight of Carra's first time peach of a cross in the first half which Heskey stretched to head just over and his and his little run, which included him skinning a Roma defenderÊ.yes you heard right the first time. The boy Carra was like a man possessed!
Half-time arrives and so far so good. The news that Barca-Gala remains goalless is not so good, it looks as if the second half is set to be a nerve wracking one. By replacing washed up scuff Batsituta with Montella Roma seemed to add a little spark to their play, with Totti the main threat, firstly curling a free kick straight at Jerzy and almost levelling in forcing Henchoz into another magnificent block. I make that 3754 for Steph this season now.
With around half an hour to go news filters through that Barca have gone a goal up in Istanbul, great news, but it sure would be nice if we could get another just to make sure, before I could finish that thought, Emile Heskey duly obliged and things were starting to look very, very rosy.
Committing a series of fouls around the penalty area was surely tempting fate as far as the Romans were concerned and as "Allez, Allez, Gerard Houllier" rang around Anfield with scarf's furiously swinging around heads, Tommasi - the man sent off at Anfield last year - commits yet another stupid foul - for which he was booked.
Murphy's beautifully flighted free kick was perfect for an absolutely majestic leap from the giant striker who easily defeated the goalkeeper down low to his left. What a header. It was only when seeing it on TV later (just as I write this as a matter of fact) when I realised just how good it was and Emile sure deserved his goal.
This was virtually game set and match, with Sami and Steph effortlessly marshalling a Roma attack who have some nerve calling us boring! Xavier also had his best game in his new Santa Claus suit since his move across the park, boy I bet he's really regretting that move! NOT! (Shameless nostalgic Wayne's World reference!) Jari and Heskey were also outstanding in attack, both delivering the goods as per usual.
Apart from another chance from Totti and another magnificent block, this time from Hyypia, the rest of the game was a party, a tribute to the dynamic duo of Houllier and Thommo by the fans who sang their names constantly. After the game Thommo was quoted as saying that "as a pair we are the best around" well here is your chance to prove it guys.
In the last 8 anything can happen and going into the draw I don't fear or dread anyone. Not Bayern, not Madrid not anyone - certainly not the Mancs or Arsenal. The players have no reason to feel any different such is their confidence at the moment. The scene is set for a run to take place which would not only exceed last year's achievements but - in this tumultuous season - would surely exceed any accomplishment in our clubs illustrious history.
I'm not saying that we are going to sweep all before us in the next 7 weeks, but what I am saying is why not, I certainly won't be backing against us. I said in my Barca match report that I had a feeling that this game would be one which "folklore" was invented for. For once my prediction was right and finally after following this club for 12 of my 20 years I - and the rest of the younger generation - have a European Cup night that I'll be able to tell MY kids about.
Watching the re-run at approximately 2:45am and YNWA is playing over the PA system at Anfield and now I'm all choked up, but that's not a bad thing, while I'm in this corny mood I'll say itÊÊ..welcome back Gerard, we love you. Now will somebody please pass me a tissue!
Team: Jerzy Dudek; Abel Xavier, Stephane Henchoz, Sami Hyypia, Jamie Carragher; Danny Murphy, Steven Gerrard, John Arne Riise, Jari Litmanen (Igor Biscan); Vladimir Smicer (Gary McAllister) Emile Heskey:
