Alonso: Tonight Will Be Like A Final
he prize at stake is a Moscow final against arch-rivals Manchester United, but the Spaniard says that Liverpool will be playing as if it were the final already.
"Liverpool are preparing for this match against Chelsea like a final," said Alonso. "We have confidence of success because of our record in the past.
"We are able to progress past this round."
Alonso went on to admit that the team are still bitter over fact that Chelsea were gifted a late away goal, but insisted that there has been absolutely no ill-will towards own-goal culprit John Arne Riise.
"The team is still angry by the result at Anfield because Chelsea did not merit a 1-1 draw.
"Our objective is to win in London and demonstrate that Chelsea are not superior to us.
"The team is very focused and we have overcome the tremendous blow of the goal of Riise," he added.
"During those days we have shown the maximum support for our team-mate. It was an unfortunate action and it has been forgotten.
"The factor of being at home is not so decisive in these type of matches. Liverpool and Chelsea are two big clubs and any is able to win away from home.
"I expect a difficult and tough match. Chelsea play with the advantage of the away goal and perhaps they will not risk too much from the first moment.
"That would be to our advantage and to score early would change the whole tie.
"Perhaps Chelsea will practice a conservative style and that would be positive for us.
"I am optimistic and I insist this game is 50-50.
"Liverpool is a team that always generates many problems for Chelsea," said Alonso. "Since my arrival in England our matches with Chelsea have never been easy and mentally this could influence things on Wednesday.
"Our attack will be key at Stamford Bridge because we need to profit from the chances in the penalty area."
Derek Wanner, Goal.com
"Liverpool are preparing for this match against Chelsea like a final," said Alonso. "We have confidence of success because of our record in the past.
"We are able to progress past this round."
Alonso went on to admit that the team are still bitter over fact that Chelsea were gifted a late away goal, but insisted that there has been absolutely no ill-will towards own-goal culprit John Arne Riise.
"The team is still angry by the result at Anfield because Chelsea did not merit a 1-1 draw.
"Our objective is to win in London and demonstrate that Chelsea are not superior to us.
"The team is very focused and we have overcome the tremendous blow of the goal of Riise," he added.
"During those days we have shown the maximum support for our team-mate. It was an unfortunate action and it has been forgotten.
"The factor of being at home is not so decisive in these type of matches. Liverpool and Chelsea are two big clubs and any is able to win away from home.
"I expect a difficult and tough match. Chelsea play with the advantage of the away goal and perhaps they will not risk too much from the first moment.
"That would be to our advantage and to score early would change the whole tie.
"Perhaps Chelsea will practice a conservative style and that would be positive for us.
"I am optimistic and I insist this game is 50-50.
"Liverpool is a team that always generates many problems for Chelsea," said Alonso. "Since my arrival in England our matches with Chelsea have never been easy and mentally this could influence things on Wednesday.
"Our attack will be key at Stamford Bridge because we need to profit from the chances in the penalty area."
Derek Wanner, Goal.com
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