Steven Gerrard holds the Champions League after defeating AC Milan on penalties in the 2005 final at the Ataturk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul on May 25, 2005. Getty
Steven Gerrard holds the Champions League after defeating AC Milan on penalties in the 2005 final at the Ataturk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul on May 25, 2005. Getty
Steven Gerrard holds the Champions League after defeating AC Milan on penalties in the 2005 final at the Ataturk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul on May 25, 2005. Getty
Steven Gerrard holds the Champions League after defeating AC Milan on penalties in the 2005 final at the Ataturk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul on May 25, 2005. Getty

Liverpool's greatest European comebacks as they bid to beat Atalanta


Steve Luckings
  • English
  • Arabic

Liverpool travel to Italy on Thursday knowing they will need to call on their past history of great European comebacks to keep their Europa League hopes alive.

The English side trail Atalanta 3-0 after last week's first leg in which the Italians put on masterclass in man-marking and clinical finishing at Anfield.

The result, followed days later by a 1-0 defeat at home to Crystal Palace that put a serious dent in their Premier League title hopes, threatens to bring a sad end to Jurgen Klopp's fairy-tale time on Merseyside with the German stepping down at the end of the season.

Few clubs can conjure magical nights like Liverpool though, a club synonymous with staging seemingly insurmountable comebacks in European competition.

We take a look at Liverpool's greatest comebacks on the European stage.

2005: Champions League, Istanbul. AC Milan 3-3 Liverpool

Liverpool were staring down the barrel of a gun as they trailed Italian giants AC Milan 3-0 at half time thanks to a Paolo Maldini goal and a brace from Hernan Crespo. Captain Steven Gerrard's headed goal inspired a stirring second-half fightback for Liverpool. Vladimir Smicer's long-range strike reduced the deficit and Xabi Alonso's goal forced the game into extra time.

With the tie still level at the end of extra time, it was goalkeeper Jerzey Dudek's time to shine in the shoot-out, saving Andrei Shevchenko's decisive spot kick despite diving the wrong way as Liverpool won 3-2 on penalties and the "Miracle of Istanbul" legend was born.

2019: Champions League, Anfield. Liverpool 4-0 Barcelona

Barcelona arrived at Anfield defending a 3-0 lead after dismantling Liverpool in their Champions League semi-final first leg at Camp Nou. Roared on by a relentless home crowd, Divock Origi's seventh-minute goal gave Liverpool a sliver of hope and two Gini Wijnaldum goals in the space of two second-half minutes had the crowd believing that they were about to witness one of the greatest nights in the club's history.

A moment of devious deception by Trent Alexander-Arnold saw the Barcelona defence switch off at a corner and the defender drilled in a low cross for Origi to fire home on 79 minutes, putting Liverpool ahead in the tie for the first time and into the Champions League final.

2016: Europa League, Anfield. Liverpool 4-3 Borussia Dortmund

Three years before their epic comeback against Barcelona, Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund played out one of the greatest games in Europa League history. The tie was finely poised after the sides played out a 1-1 draw in Germany but Liverpool found themselves 3-1 down on aggregate after nine minutes of the return leg as Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored through swift counter attacks. Origi pulled Liverpool back to within one goal but Marco Reus restored Dortmund's two-goal advantage on 57 minutes.

Because of the away goals rule, Liverpool still needed three goals with less than 25 minutes left but Philippe Coutinho's low shot cut the deficit and when Mamadou Sakho headed in after 77 minutes, Liverpool stood on the brink of something remarkable. Amid riotous scenes, Dejan Lovren rose to head home in stoppage time in front of the Kop to spark chaotic celebrations and seal a win that will take its place in Anfield folklore.

2004: Champions League, Anfield. Liverpool 3-1 Olympiacos

Liverpool went into their final group match of the 2004/05 Champions League needing to beat their opponents by two goals to advance to the knockout stages. The task was made all the harder as Olympiacos went ahead through a superb free kick by Brazil maestro Rivaldo.

However, in a sign of what was to come for Liverpool in that season's European Cup, they staged a remarkable turnaround. Goals from Florent Sinama-Pongolle and Neil Mellor put the Anfield faithful on the edge of their seats for a special comeback win over the Greeks. Gerrard sent the stands into raptures when he thumped home an absolute screamer to send the Reds through to the last 16.

1976: Uefa Cup, Anfield. Liverpool 3-2 Club Bruges

It seems mad to think the final of Uefa Cup, the precursor to what is now the Europa League, used to be played over two legs. The first leg at Anfield was arguably where the Liverpool legend of astonishing comebacks was born. The Reds trailed 2-0 to the Belgian side but three goals in six minutes – Ray Kennedy, Jimmy Case and Kevin Keegan all got on the scoresheet – gave the English club the advantage. A 1-1 draw in the return leg in Belgium saw Liverpool clinch the trophy 4-3 on aggregate.

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Dust and sand storms compared

Sand storm

  • Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
  • Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
  • Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
  • Travel distance: Limited 
  • Source: Open desert areas with strong winds

Dust storm

  • Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
  • Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
  • Duration: Can linger for days
  • Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
  • Source: Can be carried from distant regions
The specs
  • Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
  • Power: 640hp
  • Torque: 760nm
  • On sale: 2026
  • Price: Not announced yet
Lexus LX700h specs

Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor

Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm

Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm

Transmission: 10-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh590,000

Electoral College Victory

Trump has so far secured 295 Electoral College votes, according to the Associated Press, exceeding the 270 needed to win. Only Nevada and Arizona remain to be called, and both swing states are leaning Republican. Trump swept all five remaining swing states, North Carolina, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin, sealing his path to victory and giving him a strong mandate. 

 

Popular Vote Tally

The count is ongoing, but Trump currently leads with nearly 51 per cent of the popular vote to Harris’s 47.6 per cent. Trump has over 72.2 million votes, while Harris trails with approximately 67.4 million.

Other must-tries

Tomato and walnut salad

A lesson in simple, seasonal eating. Wedges of tomato, chunks of cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, coriander or parsley leaves, and perhaps some fresh dill are drizzled with a crushed walnut and garlic dressing. Do consider yourself warned: if you eat this salad in Georgia during the summer months, the tomatoes will be so ripe and flavourful that every tomato you eat from that day forth will taste lacklustre in comparison.

Badrijani nigvzit

A delicious vegetarian snack or starter. It consists of thinly sliced, fried then cooled aubergine smothered with a thick and creamy walnut sauce and folded or rolled. Take note, even though it seems like you should be able to pick these morsels up with your hands, they’re not as durable as they look. A knife and fork is the way to go.

Pkhali

This healthy little dish (a nice antidote to the khachapuri) is usually made with steamed then chopped cabbage, spinach, beetroot or green beans, combined with walnuts, garlic and herbs to make a vegetable pâté or paste. The mix is then often formed into rounds, chilled in the fridge and topped with pomegranate seeds before being served.

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5 of the most-popular Airbnb locations in Dubai

Bobby Grudziecki, chief operating officer of Frank Porter, identifies the five most popular areas in Dubai for those looking to make the most out of their properties and the rates owners can secure:

• Dubai Marina

The Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence are popular locations, says Mr Grudziecki, due to their closeness to the beach, restaurants and hotels.

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh482 to Dh739 
Two bedroom: Dh627 to Dh960 
Three bedroom: Dh721 to Dh1,104

• Downtown

Within walking distance of the Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and the famous fountains, this location combines business and leisure.  “Sure it’s for tourists,” says Mr Grudziecki. “Though Downtown [still caters to business people] because it’s close to Dubai International Financial Centre."

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh497 to Dh772
Two bedroom: Dh646 to Dh1,003
Three bedroom: Dh743 to Dh1,154

• City Walk

The rising star of the Dubai property market, this area is lined with pristine sidewalks, boutiques and cafes and close to the new entertainment venue Coca Cola Arena.  “Downtown and Marina are pretty much the same prices,” Mr Grudziecki says, “but City Walk is higher.”

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh524 to Dh809 
Two bedroom: Dh682 to Dh1,052 
Three bedroom: Dh784 to Dh1,210 

• Jumeirah Lake Towers

Dubai Marina’s little brother JLT resides on the other side of Sheikh Zayed road but is still close enough to beachside outlets and attractions. The big selling point for Airbnb renters, however, is that “it’s cheaper than Dubai Marina”, Mr Grudziecki says.

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh422 to Dh629 
Two bedroom: Dh549 to Dh818 
Three bedroom: Dh631 to Dh941

• Palm Jumeirah

Palm Jumeirah's proximity to luxury resorts is attractive, especially for big families, says Mr Grudziecki, as Airbnb renters can secure competitive rates on one of the world’s most famous tourist destinations.

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh503 to Dh770 
Two bedroom: Dh654 to Dh1,002 
Three bedroom: Dh752 to Dh1,152 

RESULTS

1.30pm Handicap (PA) Dh 50,000 (Dirt) 1,400m

Winner AF Almomayaz, Hugo Lebouc (jockey), Ali Rashid Al Raihe (trainer)

2pm Handicap (TB) Dh 84,000 (D) 1,400m

Winner Karaginsky, Tadhg O’Shea, Satish Seemar.

2.30pm Maiden (TB) Dh 60,000 (D) 1,200m

Winner Sadeedd, Ryan Curatolo, Nicholas Bachalard.

3pm Conditions (TB) Dh 100,000 (D) 1,950m

Winner Blue Sovereign, Clement Lecoeuvre, Erwan Charpy.

3.30pm Handicap (TB) Dh 76,000 (D) 1,800m

Winner Tailor’s Row, Royston Ffrench, Salem bin Ghadayer.

4pm Maiden (TB) Dh 60,000 (D) 1,600m

Winner Bladesmith, Tadhg O’Shea, Satish Seemar.

4.30pm Handicap (TB) Dh 68,000 (D) 1,000m

Winner Shanaghai City, Fabrice Veron, Rashed Bouresly.

ASHES FIXTURES

1st Test: Brisbane, Nov 23-27 
2nd Test: Adelaide, Dec 2-6
3rd Test: Perth, Dec 14-18
4th Test: Melbourne, Dec 26-30
5th Test: Sydney, Jan 4-8

Volvo ES90 Specs

Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)

Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp

Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm

On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region

Price: Exact regional pricing TBA

The specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo

Power: 247hp at 6,500rpm

Torque: 370Nm from 1,500-3,500rpm

Transmission: 10-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 7.8L/100km

Price: from Dh94,900

On sale: now

Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha

Starring: Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Shantanu Maheshwari, Jimmy Shergill, Saiee Manjrekar

Director: Neeraj Pandey

Rating: 2.5/5

Updated: April 17, 2024, 12:44 PM`