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On the eve of the third qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League, team coach Rafael Benitez expressed his desire for his players to score an early goal, while English club goalkeeper Xabi Alonso stated that a ticket to the next round is not guaranteed yet.
In the first match, which took place at the packed Kaunas S. Darius and S. Girėnas Stadium, Lithuanian champions FBK took an early lead of 1-0 in a sensational few minutes, but later conceded three goals and had to admit defeat to their illustrious and famous opponent.
The second leg match between the teams will begin today, August 2nd at 21:45 Lithuanian time at Anfield stadium. Although our country's television rarely broadcasts Lithuanian football club matches abroad, this time the game will be live on Tango TV, and a video will be shown on TV3 from 01:10 AM to Wednesday.
As usual, before the match, "Liverpool" coach R. Benitez cautiously stated that the team's goal is to score an early goal: "We will start the match with the same mentality as before against TNS - we want to score early, and then, as you understand, it will be much harder for our opponents. We must score as quickly as possible, and then try to play good and attractive football for the fans' eyes, because we are not afraid of anything at Anfield."
"Regarding 'Kaunas,' we were surprised by their fast pace in the first match, and we believe they will play the same in the second match. If they want to restore the intrigue, they have to score an early goal. If we score first, theoretically everything will be clear, but if they score, then we need to be cautious and ensure we control the situation," Benitez said.
Midfielder X. Alonso from Spain does not promise to relax on the field: "I hope 'Kaunas' will not score twice at Anfield, but nothing is guaranteed in football. That is why, from the very first touch of the ball, we need to focus, keep possession, and try to score an early goal. If we succeed, we won't have bigger problems. We play at home with a two-goal advantage, so I am completely convinced we will win, but we must be cautious."
There will probably be no major changes in the lineup of the "Liverpool" team for the second leg - Djimi Traore, Harry Kewell, Neil Mellor, and Florent Sinama Pongolle are still unable to play due to injuries, only Steve Finnan is expected to return to the lineup. Milan Baros and Jerzy Dudek will most likely not be seen in the squad again. However, Benitez may give some rest to the best players and the opportunity for younger players to shine.
"Kaunas" had more changes - the club dismissed coach Aleksandras Piskarovas, and Givi Kvaratskhelia, who previously left the team, returned. Additionally, the new Kaunas legionnaire Edinas Pehlicius is ready to play and strengthen the team.
