On nights like these, you realize why Anfield is one of the finest sporting venues in the world.
[ LIVE: Follow Liverpool vs. Real ]
The buzz, anticipation and excitement is palpable with the reigning European Champions, Real Madrid, in town for a crucial UEFA Champions League clash.
“I’d take a 3-1 defeat tonight“ says a Liverpool fan outside the Kop.
After a shaky start to the Premier League season, optimism isn’t high among Liverpool’s fans.
Meanwhile elsewhere... ‘how do we stop Cristiano Ronaldo?’ That’s the question on everyone’s lips as they flood through the terraced streets surrounding Anfield and towards the glow of the floodlights. Ronaldo has scored 271 goals in 258 games for Real and 20 goals in 13 games for club and country this campaign. Liverpool’s fans look worried.
People are stood outside pubs eating chips and gravy, while Real fans chant at each other from across the street. One thing is on their mind: the game.
The smell of onions from the various burger stands wafts through the night air as almost 45,000 people navigate row after row of Victorian terraces packed beside the famous old ground. The dimly lit yellow street lamps lead the way. All roads lead to Anfield.
Welcome to Anfield for Liverpool v Real Madrid. Rain slowly trickling, crowds pouring in. I'll have live updates #UCL pic.twitter.com/ZtC4wKlz61
— Joe Prince-Wright (@JPW_NBCSports) October 22, 2014
Supporters of all ages have converged and they share the anticipation levels. That same vibe has emanated at Anfield on European nights for decades. It’s famous for it. Liverpool have won five European cups in their history, the third most. Real Madrid holds the record with 10.
At Anfield, under the lights and in light drizzle, Liverpool and Real Madrid will square off in a clash which leaves the soccer romantics across the globe salivating. A clash of the most successful teams in English and Spanish soccer is on tap, the heavyweights are about to collide. It doesn’t get much bigger than this.