Monday, April 19, 2010

'Our Affinity With Atletico'


Sammy Lee is hoping Liverpool can show their true European pedigree when they take on Atletico Madrid in the first leg of the Europa League semi-final on Thursday.

The Reds have already won the competition on three previous occasions and if they were to achieve glory in Hamburg on May 12, they would get to keep the trophy.

However, before any thoughts of that can become a reality Lee insists the team have a big job to do against a talented side who Liverpool know very well.

"It is a special occasion for this football club every time we play in a European semi-final and we do seem to have an affinity with Atletico Madrid," Lee told Liverpool.fc.tv.

"There will be two quality sides on show and a game when we need everybody to play their part.

"It will be special for Fernando to go back to Atletico but it will be special for us as well.

"We should really give great credit to Benfica because they are a very good footballing side and it took a tremendous performance from the lads to beat them.

"Our supporters always have a big part to play in what we do. I don't know what comes first, whether they get us going or we get them going, but the big thing is we are in all it together.

"You saw what happened against Benfica. We went into the second leg 2-1 down against a top quality side and it was night everybody played their part and the 12th man as always were fantastic.

"Only time will tell whether it's an advantage having the second game at Anfield, but we've got to make sure we come out on top."

Last season the two sides played out two 1-1 draws in the Champions League and Lee is under no illusions as to how tough a test Atletico will pose.

"They are a very good side and we know how difficult a tie this will be," he added.

"We had two tough games with them last season and in pre-season as well when they came to Anfield. We are well briefed. We know their strengths and weaknesses and we have a game plan. We will be ready for it."

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