Liverpool earn a respectable draw following a strong performance in Germany against Jurgen Klopp’s former side, Borussia Dortmund
The game last night was everything I hoped it would be and more. This fixture, for me, represented the true nature of our football club.
The fans showed passion and belief, showing love to the Borussia Dortmund fans. The horrible, embarrassing chanting from the previous round against Manchester United was forgotten for this game, and the way both sets of fans came together to sing
‘you’ll never walk alone’
was truly exceptional.
The match itself was exciting and aggressive, with both sides showing promise going forward. Liverpool had the clearer cut chances, and Roman Weidenfeller saved his side. He became brilliant after conceding one goal, making several big saves in a row to deny Liverpool the lead.
Klopp’s decision to bench Daniel Sturridge and start Divock Origi paid off, with the young Belgian getting the reds only goal. Mats Hummels equalised for Dortmund, something Jurgen Klopp took the blame for by saying “Then a set-piece. Yes that’s how it is in football – a fault for all of us. I decided to have Adam Lallana in this position instead of Origi, so sorry for this.”
We’ve been poor when defending set-pieces all season, so it seems inevitable that we lose the lead in such a way. Our team really stepped up and performed, and not once did they look scared by a tough Dortmund side.
Hopefully, when they visit Anfield, the fans can set the perfect atmosphere to help us go on and win the second leg. Making it through would be outstanding, and continue to provide us fans with the hope we can win something this season.
It won’t be easy, but I think the reds could actually do this. Here’s Rush the Kop’s first leg player ratings.
Next: GK