It was today, nearly 12 years ago, when Liverpool produced one of the greatest comebacks in Champions League football. We aren’t talking about that great final at Istanbul but a more important game, at that time, as the Reds defeated Greek side Olympiakos 3-1 at Anfield to progress into the next round.
Steven Gerrard hit the all-important third goal in the game but it was another youngster, at that time, who cushioned the header for that thunderbolt from the Liverpool legend. Neil Mellor may have retired from football but he remembers that great day extremely well.
“It was a special night for everyone involved with Liverpool and in football they are the sort of nights that you live for,” Mellor told Liverpoolfc.com.
“We were 1-0 down at half-time and the thought was ‘can we?’ The final of course was the ‘Miracle of Istanbul’, but perhaps Olympiakos gave us the inspiration to go on and do what we did against AC Milan.
“To be involved in that game was amazing and it is something that I will never forget. What we went on to achieve after that with Istanbul ultimately was the biggest success of all.”
Another great escape by the Reds
The manager Rafa Benitez had introduced the lanky striker in the 78th minute in hopes of getting a couple of goals as the Reds were drawing 1-1 at the time. That result would have seen them miss out on the knockout round but Mellor scored the second goal for the Merseyside club before turning provider for the legend to score with just four minutes of time left.
The former Liverpool striker also stated that only a player with the ability of Gerrard could have scored that goal during a testing time.
“When I look back on that goal, how Stevie executed that strike was simply brilliant,” he added.
“The hardest thing in football is to put the ball in the back of the net in my opinion.
“We have seen so many players over the years in that same position miss the target, but we had Stevie, and wow, what a goal it was! The celebrations that followed – we will remember that for many years to come.
The 34-year-old Mellor also revealed that Gerrard worked tirelessly in every training session and was an inspiration to all.
“Stevie was the type of player who made us believe that anything was possible. Even in training he would always set the example of being the player who wanted to be the best he could, and wanted to improve in every session.
“He was an inspiration not just to our supporters but to us as players too.”
More comebacks on offer for the Reds
Even under Jurgen Klopp there have been some great comebacks, the win over Norwich last season and the one against Borussia Dortmund in the Europa League come to mind. Mellor though was basking in the glory of that great match at Anfield, something he will never forget.
“It’s nice that Liverpool supporters still to this day come up to you and remember that night, a significant moment in the club’s history.
“Olympiakos was such a brilliant and special night to be involved in, it really was, and it’s funny when supporters tell you where they were that night and in that moment.
“It was just a special feeling for me personally to be involved in and a memorable European night for Liverpool.”
The Reds will be looking for more such European nights next season but they will have to continue playing at their best and not in the same manner as the 4-3 loss at Bournemouth. Liverpool sits pretty in third at the moment but they know it is a long season ahead.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PG_TD-4AuKw
