Liverpool vs. Unirea Urziceni

So we have drawn Unirea Urziceni in the Europa League, but before you all get excited and begin to look forward to our ROUND of 16 tie with either Lille or Fenerbache, lets have a look at the Romanian Champions.

Unirea Urziceni (UU for short from here on in) were founded in 1954, a year which saw Liverpool relegated in April and suffer their record 9-1 defeat at the hands of Birmingham in December, lets hope these are not omens! UU play their home games in Tineretului, but with its capacity at just 7000 was deemed unsuitable for their Champions’ League campaign this season. So they based themselves at the Steaua Stadium where they defeated Sevilla and drew with both Stuttgart and Rangers, who they later beat 4-1 in Glasgow.

Their nickname is ‘Chelsea of Ialommita’ and they are currently managed by former Chelsea (of London) player Dan Petrescu.

“It’ll be a difficult game,” said Kenny Dalglish, who was at the draw ceremony on behalf of the Club. “They’ve got a break until March now I think. Whether that helps or hinders them, it remains to be seen. Unirea got eight points from a difficult group so we have to give them the respect they deserve.” – Courtesy of liverpoolfc.tv

They may only have 1 domestic title to their name but it would be wise to listen to King Kenny’s words, this team earned more Champions’ League points this season than we did and should be respected. Having said that, Liverpool should have no fear when facing them but we should not take anything for granted.

The first leg is at home on February 18th with the return a week later. Hopefully, we will be taking a healthy lead to Romania and can leave a couple of key players at home on Merseyside.

YNWA

Julian

julian@empireofthekop.com