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Journalism of Courage
Liverpool won the Champions League in 2005 and reached the final last season. Now, they are struggling to reach the second stage.
The Reds have only one point after three games, drawing with FC Porto and losing at home to Marseille and at Turkish side Besiktas.
With Marseille topping the group on seven points and Porto on five, Liverpool must win their return match against Besiktas at Anfield on Tuesday for a realistic chance to advance.
“Am I surprised that we are in this situation? No. In this competition if you make one mistake you can be in trouble and that has happened,” Liverpool manager Benitez said.
Porto host Marseille in Group A’s other game on Tuesday. If Porto win, Liverpool could face elimination even if they beat Besiktas and win their remaining two games.
“I am not going to drive myself crazy by thinking about the permutations—you can’t do anything about the other teams until you play them,” Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez said. “But it is a time to believe.”
Defending champions AC Milan are at Shakhtar Donetsk in Group D play on Tuesday, when Celtic host Benfica. Milan lead Group D —ahead of Shakhtar on goal difference—but are down in ninth place in the Italian league, 11 points off leaders Inter Milan.
“We are a team that is used to reacting in difficult times,” Milan midfielder Cristian Brocchi said. “Every time we go on to the pitch angry, we’ve always done well.”
Filippo Inzaghi’s superior European goalscoring record —he is two shy of Gerd Muller’s record of 60 goals in UEFA club competitions— could see him start ahead of Alberto Gilardino up front.
Goalkeeper Dida returns after a one-match ban and striker Ronaldo was named in the squad. He could make his first appearance since May after hurting his thigh.
Real Madrid will be without injured winger Arjen Robben and forward Gonzalo Higuain, with midfielder Wesley Sneijder doubtful when they play at Olympiakos on Tuesday.
Defender Christoph Metzelder said the team would not be affected by the Sevilla loss, only their second in the league this season. “Now we’ve got to keep working and concentrate on our next game with Olympiakos,” Metzelder said.
Real Madrid lead Group C with seven points, followed by Olympiakos with four, Werder Bremen with three and Lazio with two. Lazio host Werder Bremen in the other game.
ON TUESDAY
Group A: FC Porto vs Marseille; Liverpool vs Besiktas
Group B: Valencia vs Rosenborg; Schalke vs Chelsea
Group C: Lazio vs Werder Bremen; Olympiakos vs Real Madrid
Group D: Celtic vs Benfica; Shakhtar Donetsk vs AC Milan
