Liverpool v Valencia (live on TV3, 7.45): The memory is of jaw-dropping interchanges and slippery movement, of goggle-eyed visiting players aghast at their inability to grapple back
possession, and of the Mestalla rising in awe as the fizzed passes culminated in a slick finish to befit the preceding polish. Valencia have a lot to live up to at Anfield this evening.
There will be few better goals scored among Europe's elite this season than Pablo Aimar's against Liverpool last month, a nightmare which still sends shivers down Scouse spines. The Spanish champions were irresistible that night, scoring twice by the interval with their rhythm rarely interrupted thereafter.
Two points above Real Madrid in La Liga, they run out on Merseyside tonight as arguably the strongest side in Europe. If Gerard Houllier's side are to progress, that strut must be stifled.
"It clicked in that first game in the group and we put in one of our best performances of the season," said Rafael Benitez, the Valencia coach who was recently rewarded with a new two-year contract. "We managed to choke Liverpool's play in Spain, closing them down in midfield and disrupting the service to the strikers.
"Now, for all our opponents' qualities, we can approach the return game without fear. We have very little to lose, being top of the group. Our progress over the last few years both in Europe and in La Liga has not surprised me. We have strength throughout the squad and we play as a unit."
Not that Valencia lack star quality. In inflicting Liverpool's only defeat of the season, Francisco Rufete and Rodriguez Vicente were outstanding, wreaking havoc down either flank, with Ruben Baraja a thunderous presence in the centre freeing Aimar to have his fun.
Aimar's display against Liverpool in the 2-0 victory was all tricks, flicks and searing sprints to leave the visitors all a dither, while he warmed up for the Anfield return by destroying Athletic Bilbao last weekend, his hat-trick guiding Valencia to a 5-1 victory.
"When he's in that sort of devastating form, the rest of us can just sit back, watch and enjoy his football," said the left-back Fabio Aurelio. "He is an incredible footballer, an unbelievable talent and some of his performances this season have been extraordinary."
Spurred on by such devastating invention, the side whose first league title in 31 years last term was based upon stifling defence - they scored only 51 times but still finished seven points clear - has ventured on the swashbuckling this time around.
Benitez's switch in emphasis, while maintaining an asphyxiating midfield and rugged defence, has yielded 13 goals in four European games; the 16 goals in seven domestic games make them the joint leading scorers in Spain.
"The team works extremely well as a solid block. The group gains over the individual," said forward Juan Sanchez.
Houllier will be encouraged that Valencia will be without the suspended Roberto Ayala and, for all their recent European success, have not won in England for 41 years. Victory for Liverpool would lift them level with the Spaniards and leave FC Basle needing a win in Moscow to maintain their interest.
"We know that we didn't perform over there and, while that's an added motivation, it's not about revenge," said the Frenchman, who should have Emile Heskey fit after a groin injury.
PROBABLE LINE-UPS
LIVERPOOL (4-4-2): Dudek; Carragher, Traore, Hyypia, Riise; Gerrard, Murphy, Hamann, Heskey; Owen, Baros.
VALENCIA (4-4-1-1): Canizares; Curro Torres, Pellegrino, Marchena, Fabio Aurelio; Rufete, Baraja, Albelda, Vicente; Aimar; Carew.
Referee: T Hauge (Norway).
Guardian Service
