The pre-match promise of goals galore may have rung hollow in the torpor of the first leg, but Liverpool welcome Barcelona to Anfield tonight hoping to justify that night's spoiling tactics by claiming the spoils themselves. That encounter at the Nou Camp had Catalans grumbling themselves to sleep.
It is 25 years since Barcelona last visited Merseyside - a 1-1 draw in the UEFA Cup semi-final saw Liverpool through 2-1 on aggregate - yet if the Anfield trophy cabinet is to house continental silverware for the first time since 1984, this follow-up must be better than a score draw.
"This is a final to qualify for a final and my team will not let me down," said Liverpool's manager Gerard Houllier. With the dust still settling after a raucous Merseyside derby victory on Monday, few would disagree.
Yet the repercussions of their cagey defensive showing a fortnight ago continue to rile the Spanish media, who grilled Houllier yesterday. "We need to score goals; we know that," he said. "They were not happy about the way we played, but they should take that as a compliment. The boys were disciplined and kept to the team plan."
For their part Barcelona hope to thrive in the extra space as Liverpool loosen the defensive shackles. "They're going to have to take more risks this time," said the defender Puyol. "Losing just doesn't enter into our plans. We're going to Liverpool to win and get through to the final."
That showcase in Dortmund will be played on Rivaldo's birthday. The Brazilian's immediate future appears to be in Catalunya; the Lazio president Sergio Cragnotti had a bid turned down for the 28-year-old after the first leg.
And as if the tie needed any added spice, Houllier provided it by declaring an interest in the Barcelona captain Josep Guardiola (30), who will be leaving under the Bosman ruling in the summer. "He is someone I respect and admire," said Liverpool's manager. "He is outstanding. We are interested in every good player who becomes available if they can strengthen our squad."
Yesterday Gazzetto dello Sport reported Guardiola has signed a provisional agreement to join Parma on a fouryear deal worth £1.4 million sterling a season if they qualify for one of Italy's four Champions League berths. However, it added Guardiola can pull out of the agreement if a more lucrative offer arrives from England.
Probable Teams LIVERPOOL (4-4-2): Westerveld; Babbel, Hyypia, Henchoz, Carragher; Murphy, Gerrard, Hamann, Berger; Owen, Heskey.
BARCELONA (4-2-3-1): Reina; Gabri, Puyol, De Boer, Sergi; Guardiola, Cocu; Luis Enrique, Rivaldo, Overmars; Kluivert.
