Virgil van Dijk is confident that with Liverpool on Wednesday-evening he will be able to make up for the 1-0 defeat in the return match in the return of the eighth finals of the Champions League against Atlético Madrid. The central defender gets motivation for the return on Anfield from the way Liverpool eliminated FC Barcelona in the most important European club tournament last season.
Liverpool last season lost 3-0 in the semi-finals in Barcelona in the semi-finals, but made up for it in the return with a magnificent 4-0 win, partly due to two goals from Georginio Wijnaldum. As a result, the final was reached, which would later also be won from Tottenham Hotspur.
“At that time we were also faced with a huge assignment. We were unable to give away any chances,” Van Dijk says Sky Sports the ‘wonder of Anfield’ in memory.
“We have to enter this match (against Atlético, ed.) With the same attitude as then (against Barcelona, ed.). That starts with passion and hard work and hopefully goes hand in hand with good football and a victory.”
However, Van Dijk is aware that Atlético Madrid is a totally different team than Barcelona. “Atlético is a fantastic team, they play aggressively and can hurt you. We have to give everything from the first to the last second. We want to show that we deserve to continue to the next round. “
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Virgil van Dijk makes it difficult for the defense of Atlético Madrid during the U-turn, but will not score with Liverpool in the Wanda Metropolitano. (Photo: Pro Shots)
“The outside world talks as if we are in relegation need”
Liverpool considered this season unbeatable over the last few weeks and has surrendered its invincible status, with losses against Atlético against Chelsea (FA Cup) and Watford (Premier League). However, the lead in the competition is still large and so Van Dijk does not want to be talked into as a crisis.
“The pressure is always there. When the results are disappointing, the outside world suddenly talks about us as if we are in a relegation battle,” said the central defender, who missed a minute on behalf of Liverpool in the league and the Champions League this season .
“It’s the way it is, we have to deal with that. We have to do that as mature men, collect everything and then show why we are where we stand.”
The kick-off of the return between Liverpool and Atlético Madrid will be at Anfield on Wednesday at 9 p.m. As mentioned, the Madrid defend a 1-0 lead against the defending champion.
View the program and the results in the Champions League here.
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