Liverpool FC confirmed the fixtures for their pre-season tour yesterday. The Reds will travel to the United States this summer. The first fixture takes place in Chicago against Greek giants Olympiacos, followed by a trip to New York to face Premier League rivals Manchester City, before heading to Charlotte to face Seedorf’s AC Milan.
Olympiacos isn’t a stranger for Liverpool FC. Liverpool faced the Greeks in August for Steven Gerrard’s testimonial. And you might also remember this date: December 8, 2004, a cold December night at Anfield. Liverpool, back where they belong [Champions League] after a year’s absence, were on the edge of elimination from the group stages. They had to win with two clear goals. The fans knew it, the players knew it.
Everybody was nervous, nevertheless The Kop was singing like never before. All the hopes were crushed as the legendary Rivaldo fired a free-kick beyond Jerzy Dudek in the 26th minute. Liverpool had to score three goals to progress, it was mission impossible but history was going to be written.
Frenchman Florent Sinama-Pongolle scored minutes after the interval but Olympiacos were a though opponent. Liverpool had to score two clear goals with just 10 minutes on the clock.
Mellor came on for Milan Baros. The youngster scored two minutes later. He explained:
When I came on, we needed to score two and as a centre-forward, I knew there were going to be chances. I got the crucial touch to score and my response was – come on, we can do this.”
Mission impossible became Mission possible when Gerrard completed their quest. He pounced on Mellor’s knock-down, fired the ball home in the 86th minute and The Reds were through to the next round of the Champions League. Everybody went crazy even the commenters were screaming and cheering. I still remember the words: ‘A lovely cushioned header…’ and then Andy Gray with the words: ‘Oh ya beauty, what a hit son, what a hit!’ It was a fantastic night with an indescribable atmosphere. History was made that day as they beat AC Milan in the final. Liverpool will face the Italians on the 8th of August.
This will be the Red’s seventh visit to North America. It will be a humbling experience for the players, as they will experience one of the world’s greatest football families. Liverpool FC hope that this tour will bring the fans, who are all over the globe, closer to each other. Because it doesn’t matter how far away from Anfield they live. The thing that matters is that they all support Liverpool FC, the best football club in the world.
Written by @LFC_newsblogger