"These are the nights we live for”: Van Dijk urges Liverpool to summon Anfield magic to topple PSG in UCL quarter-final

"These are the nights we live for”: Van Dijk urges Liverpool to summon Anfield magic to topple PSG in UCL quarter-final

Virgil van Dijk has called on Liverpool to write another special chapter in the club's European history against Paris Saint-Germain tonight.

Liverpool take on Paris Saint-Germain in the second leg of theirChampions League quarter-final tonight. The Reds must overturn a 2-0 deficit at Anfield, after PSG eased to victory in the first meeting in France.

Liverpool have not overturned a deficit of two or more goals since beating Barcelona in the 2018/19 semi-finals, on route to winning theChampions League under Jurgen Klopp.

However, Van Dijk hopes his team can take inspiration from that win, and other memorable European nights at Anfield, to progress this evening.

"The circumstances may be a little different, but this is a familiar place we find ourselves in. Anfield, a big UEFA Champions League night, a top opponent and the chance, together, to do something really special as a club," the Liverpool captain said in hisprogramme notes.

"I couldn't be looking forward to tonight more, and I hope you guys feel the same. Yes, we know the size and the scale of the task facing us, but these are the games, the nights that we all live for. If you can't get excited for this, then you're in the wrong sport, in my opinion.

"I said after the first leg in Paris that we will need something special if we are to progress to the semi-finals, and that applies first and foremost to our own performance, but also to the atmosphere and the support that you guys will provide. Both will need to be absolutely spot on if we are to have a chance.

"I have been very lucky to experience those nights where the connection between the fans and the performance has been unbelievable.

"I think of Manchester City, Roma, Barcelona of course, even Real Madrid both this season and last, and I can assure you all that everyone in this dressing room believes we can do something again this evening.

"Yes, the performance in Paris was not good enough, and we must improve in every area if we are to have a chance. Anfield, though, is different, and hopefully we can show that tonight.

"It starts with us, with our belief and our mentality. With every challenge, every tackle, every header, every run, every attack, we have to show intent and commitment and desire. PSG are a very good team and we have to be ready to do the hard yards for 90+ minutes – and more if necessary.

"Like I say, I am looking forward to the game immensely. These are the occasions we have to embrace, every one of us together.

"Let's give it everything we have, and hopefully we can write another special chapter in Liverpool's history."