Liverpool's Champions League win compared to 'Miracle of Medinah'
Wednesday 8 May 2019 13:50, UK
Lee Westwood has heaped praise on Liverpool for their remarkable Champions League qualification and compared the win with Europe’s all-time Ryder Cup comeback.
Westwood was at Anfield, ahead of the British Masters at nearby Hillside, to witness Liverpool overturn a 3-0 first-leg deficit against Barcelona and book their place in the final with a stunning 4-0 victory.
The Englishman was part of Jose Maria Olazabal's 2012 Ryder Cup team, who came back from 10-6 down to win 14.5-13.5 in the 'Miracle of Medinah' - with Westwood drawing similarities between Jurgen Klopp's side and Europe's famous final-day fightback.
"I think it [Liverpool's win] is one of those that you sit down with your grandkids and you say, I was there that night," Westwood said. "I think it's that big.
"Just an incredible turnaround and you would never have sort of thought it was going to happen. But you always sort of hold out hope that they might shake things up a bit and get some momentum.
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"Like the last day at Medinah, you kind of think this is not going to happen but let's give them a scare, then all of a sudden the momentum goes with you and the crowd get on your side. It was incredible."
Westwood makes his 18th appearance this week at the British Masters, hosted by Tommy Fleetwood, with the former world No 1 glad to see the tournament still part of the European Tour schedule.
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"I think it [being in the schedule] is very important," Westwood, who hosted the event in 2017, added. "You know, there's been some great winners here in the past.
"Seve (Ballesteros) is a past winner and Greg Norman a past winner, so two heroes of mine growing up, and players I've wanted to emulate.
"It's always been played on some great venues and always attracts a great field and great fans that really seem to enjoy coming to this tournament and supporting it."
Watch the British Masters throughout the week live on Sky Sports. Live coverage begins on Thursday from 10.30am on Sky Sports Golf and Sky Sports Main Event.
