Liverpool are set to meet one of their legends of Istanbul as they bid to maintain their challenge for more Champions League glory.
Their trip to face Atletico Madrid, eventually confirmed for the Estadio Vicente Calderon after UEFA relented for the time being over their stadium ban, will now be devoid of the expected home-coming for former Atletico star Fernando Torres, out for 10 to 15 days with a hamstring injury.
But waiting for Liverpool will be two of their ex-players, including Luis Garcia who was in the side that beat AC Milan in the famous 2005 final in Istanbul.
Garcia is not a certain starter for the Madrid club, neither is Florent Sinama-Pongolle - who also had a spell with the Merseysiders.
But Liverpool's fans have never forgotten Garcia, in particular, and their song about the Spaniard and sangria will be dusted down in his honour.
The match is crucial to both sides, as is the return a fortnight later at Anfield with first and second spot in Group D seemingly certain to be decided on these two games.
For Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard, re-acquaintance with Garcia and Sinama-Pongolle will give added spice to the occasion on Wednesday.
He said: "I've always kept in touch with Luis and Flo since they left us.
"I exchange text messages with them quite a bit. If I see they have scored or done well in a match I will always send a message.
"They are two very good guys in the game. We will definitely have to be wary of them, we know exactly what Luis is capable of and what he did for us in Europe. He can pull off moments of magic.
"And Flo's game has improved so much since he left us. He initially went to Recreativo Huelva and did well there, and that won him the move to Madrid.
"If they are both playing, we will have to keep a close eye on both of them."
Garcia has had a frustrating spell with Atletico, a move that although not formally part of the deal that took Torres to Anfield, certainly helped pay for it.
Since then he has spent too much time on the bench for his liking, but he has figured in European matches and done well.
Much as he did at Liverpool when even if not in the league starting XI, the 30-year-old frequently produced Champions League heroics.
The controversial semi-final winner against Chelsea was the most memorable, and his thumb-sucking celebration a feature of the side during that season.
This term for Atletico, he was on the bench for the 2-1 win over Marseille in their second group match, having played a key role in the 3-0 win at PSV Eindhoven in the opening tie.
Gerrard expects nothing less than a serious threat inspired by Garcia. He said: "Atletico are a dangerous team. They have built well over the last two seasons and certainly spent their money well.
"Speaking to our Spanish lads, Fernando and the boys, they tell me the atmosphere can be electric there.
"It is certainly a game we're all looking forward to, but we realise it will be very tough for us.
"But we have proved over the last few years in Europe what a good side we are.
"We are a match for anyone over two legs. Having that confidence and knowledge that we are a good side spurs us on even more and we know that teams don't want to play against us."
Their trip to face Atletico Madrid, eventually confirmed for the Estadio Vicente Calderon after UEFA relented for the time being over their stadium ban, will now be devoid of the expected home-coming for former Atletico star Fernando Torres, out for 10 to 15 days with a hamstring injury.
But waiting for Liverpool will be two of their ex-players, including Luis Garcia who was in the side that beat AC Milan in the famous 2005 final in Istanbul.
Garcia is not a certain starter for the Madrid club, neither is Florent Sinama-Pongolle - who also had a spell with the Merseysiders.
But Liverpool's fans have never forgotten Garcia, in particular, and their song about the Spaniard and sangria will be dusted down in his honour.
The match is crucial to both sides, as is the return a fortnight later at Anfield with first and second spot in Group D seemingly certain to be decided on these two games.
For Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard, re-acquaintance with Garcia and Sinama-Pongolle will give added spice to the occasion on Wednesday.
He said: "I've always kept in touch with Luis and Flo since they left us.
"I exchange text messages with them quite a bit. If I see they have scored or done well in a match I will always send a message.
"They are two very good guys in the game. We will definitely have to be wary of them, we know exactly what Luis is capable of and what he did for us in Europe. He can pull off moments of magic.
"And Flo's game has improved so much since he left us. He initially went to Recreativo Huelva and did well there, and that won him the move to Madrid.
"If they are both playing, we will have to keep a close eye on both of them."
Garcia has had a frustrating spell with Atletico, a move that although not formally part of the deal that took Torres to Anfield, certainly helped pay for it.
Since then he has spent too much time on the bench for his liking, but he has figured in European matches and done well.
Much as he did at Liverpool when even if not in the league starting XI, the 30-year-old frequently produced Champions League heroics.
The controversial semi-final winner against Chelsea was the most memorable, and his thumb-sucking celebration a feature of the side during that season.
This term for Atletico, he was on the bench for the 2-1 win over Marseille in their second group match, having played a key role in the 3-0 win at PSV Eindhoven in the opening tie.
Gerrard expects nothing less than a serious threat inspired by Garcia. He said: "Atletico are a dangerous team. They have built well over the last two seasons and certainly spent their money well.
"Speaking to our Spanish lads, Fernando and the boys, they tell me the atmosphere can be electric there.
"It is certainly a game we're all looking forward to, but we realise it will be very tough for us.
"But we have proved over the last few years in Europe what a good side we are.
"We are a match for anyone over two legs. Having that confidence and knowledge that we are a good side spurs us on even more and we know that teams don't want to play against us."
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