Anfield is a venue where Champions League heroes are made, as Liverpool's Roberto Firmino discovered against Tuesday's opponents Paris Saint-Germain
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Roberto Firmino of Liverpool celebrates after scoring a goal
Roberto Firmino was Liverpool's saviour the last time Paris Saint-Germain came to Anfield
(Image: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
If Liverpool require confidence to see off Paris Saint Germain and make the Champions League quarterfinals on Tuesday night they need only look back six days. If still unconvinced, the opening night of the competition's group stage in 2018 is the next best thing.
With last week's first-leg victory in Paris courtesy of an Alisson Becker masterclass in saving and a Harvey Elliott sucker-punch at the death, Arne Slot's Reds stand on the precipice of a Champions League quarterfinal. This can only be confirmed by staving off the challenge of PSG at Anfield.
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If the French side are anything, it is determined. Their loss at the Parc des Princes last week prompted rallying cries from multiple squad members, some even giving assurances that it is they who will advance when the time comes.
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In part that can be attributed to the frustrations experienced by the manner of the first-leg defeat to Liverpool but also there is a sense of long-lasting exasperation that in their 54-year history, especially over the past decade in which over €1.9bn (£1.6bn) has been spent on playing talent, that they have never lifted a trophy their opponents have done on six separate occasions.
Every time the Champions League gets adorned with beautiful red ribbons there are always Anfield nights to call back on. A Kenny Dalglish-inspired 1978 semi-final comeback vs Borussia Monchengladbach, Steven Gerrard's strike against Olympiacos or Trent Alexander-Arnold's quickly-taken corner in that mad Barcelona battle - the history books are stacked full.
But behind that triumph over Barca stands a win no less important in the same campaign - the win that kickstarted that Jurgen Klopp team on their journey to European glory. Roberto Firmino's strike in the first minute of stoppage time secured a 3-2 victory over the Parisians, at the time featuring the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Neymar Jr with dejected looks on their faces.
Whilst they frowned, the Brazilian rushed towards home supporters in the Anfield Road Stand's lower tier and covered one eye.
It was a simple celebration on the surface as the stadium erupted in joy, though one with a greater meaning. Afterall, Klopp was fearful that he may not have even been able to call upon his prized centre forward for such a huge match.
Three days prior a narrow win over Tottenham Hotspur - who they would coincidentally face several months later in the Champions League final - brought with it the casualty of Firmino. The following picture is not for the squeamish as he took an accidental finger to his left eye from opposing defender Jan Vertonghen.
Jan Vertonghen of Tottenham Hotspur pokes Roberto Firmino of Liverpool in the eye
Accidental but painful nonetheless, Roberto Firmino took a finger to the eye from Jan Vertonghen in September 2018
As a result the Reds lost their central goalscorer earlier than expected and he would remain a major doubt heading into the hours before PSG's visit.
"I think Bobby doesn't need his eye to play so I told him," a smug Sadio Mane would tell the ECHO, proven right after the big European clash.
“I sent him a message on Monday saying 'Hey Bobby, come on, we need you.' You've all seen the 'no look' goals so I think he doesn't need his eye to play. I texted him saying 'You don't need your eye!'"
On the rollercoaster of a night, Daniel Sturridge and James Milner netted to give the hosts a two-goal advantage which by the latter stages of second half had been wiped away by Thomas Meunier and Mbappe. Having the final say, Firmino appeared from the substitutes bench and scored, celebrating with his eventual teammate of six years who had beckoned him to play.
The hand over the injured eye was a nice touch to prove the Senegal international correct, and as Mane became known for copying the No.9's celebrations it was no different that night either.
Roberto Firmino of Liverpool celebrates after scoring a goal
Sadio Mane copied Roberto Firmino's iconic hand over the eye celebration the last time Liverpool beat PSG at Anfield
Of course the lay of the land is much different then as it is now. Back then Klopp's side were playing for three points in the opening stage of the competition, Slot's side are now in a do or die knockout scenario.
The Dutchman will be thankful Saturday's win over Southampton threw no new injury scares his way as Firmino was impacted almost seven years ago, though that does not diminish the need for the next Anfield hero to step up on Tuesday.
This year's Round of 16 tie is very much still in the balance and could therefore go a multitude of ways. Another stellar outing from Alisson would not go amiss as that would guarantee passage, but if goals are required in response to anything PSG can muster then there are attackers and midfielders aplenty who are ready for their big moment.