Liverpool’s Champions League Campaign is getting back underway with a second round tie against RB Leipzig, with the Germans set to visit Anfield in the second leg.
That prospect will revive memories of recent great nights against the likes of Barcelona and Roma has helped shine the spotlight on the Anfield area again – and not just for football reasons.
Liverpool’s recent successes in the competition have raised hopes that football success can boost the economic revival of Anfield as a growing part of the city, something the district’s growing role as a provider of Liverpool office space will also be a major part of.
The first leg will be played in Hungary, as Liverpool are not permitted to enter Germany due to the embargo on UK travel to the country, an issue that prevented manager Jurgen Klopp from attending his own mother’s funeral.
Klopp has faced down claims this week that he wants to leave his post or take a break, either due to his family situation or the team’s recent rocky patch.
Indeed, it may be that the Champions League – which was Klopp’s first trophy at the club – will act as a catalyst for the rest of the season, following his admission that retaining the Premier League title is now beyond his men following the 3-1 defeat at Leicester.
With the side out of the domestic cups, a focus on the tournament that has characterised the club’s modern history more than anything else could be extremely timely.
Leipzig will be tricky opponents, having reached the semi-finals last season and knocking out Manchester United in the final group game of this year’s competition. But the Germans also lost 5-0 in Manchester and may be intimidated by a visit to Anfield – even if it is empty.
While the famous old stadium may not reverberate with the sound of the Kop this time, the tie will bring back memories of many famous European nights at Anfield, contests that will no doubt soon become great occasions with a full house again soon.