Friday 11 March 2016 07:25, UK
Only Real Madrid, AC Milan, Barcelona and Juventus have won more European trophies than Liverpool but the Reds' record against English opposition is far from faultless.
Thursday's Europa League last-16 first leg clash with Manchester United at Anfield will be Liverpool's 17th meeting against English opponents in major European competition - but their first against their Old Trafford rivals.
History suggests Louis van Gaal's side are entitled to fancy their chances. The Reds have only won four of their previous 16 meetings against English teams in Europe, drawing seven and losing five. That puts their win percentage at just 25 per cent.
Excluding an Inter-Cities Fairs Cup encounter with Leeds United in 1971, Liverpool's first European clash against English opposition came when they faced Tottenham in the semi-finals of the 1972/73 UEFA Cup.
The Reds won the first leg 1-0 and progressed on away goals after losing the second leg 2-1 at White Hart Lane. Liverpool went on to beat Borussia Monchengladbach in the final to lift their first piece of European silverware.
Five years later, they came up against Nottingham Forest in the first round of the European Cup, but there was no repeat of their success against Spurs. Forest defeated them 2-0 at the City Ground, before securing a goalless draw at Anfield. Brian Clough's side then went on to win the competition.
Liverpool didn't meet another English side in Europe for 27 years, but between 2005 and 2007 they faced Chelsea six times. Their first encounter with the Blues came in the semi-finals of the 2004/05 Champions League, with the Reds emerging 1-0 winners on aggregate thanks to Luis Garcia's controversial 'ghost goal' at Anfield. Liverpool then lifted the trophy in Istanbul.
The following year, there were a pair of uninspiring goalless draws between the two sides in the group stages, and in 2006/07 they met again in the semi-finals. Liverpool progressed on penalties after a 1-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge and a victory by the same scoreline at Anfield.
Liverpool got the better of Arsenal in the Champions League quarter-finals in 2007/08, drawing 1-1 at the Emirates before a dramatic 4-2 win at Anfield, but their progress was halted by Chelsea in the semi-finals. Following a 1-1 draw at home, they were beaten 3-2 at Stamford Bridge after extra-time.
The Reds suffered more pain at the hands of Chelsea in the Champions League quarter-finals in 2008/09, losing 3-1 at home before a 4-4 draw at Stamford Bridge condemned them to a 7-4 aggregate loss.
Overall, Liverpool's low win percentage against English teams in Europe should offer Manchester United encouragement - but the Reds have progressed from four of their seven knockout ties against domestic rivals.
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