[lfc-news] German test for Reds

PA Sport, 17 Dec 2004
GERMAN TEST FOR REDS

Liverpool have been drawn against Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions
League first knockout round.

The draw offers Rafael Benitez's men the chance to avenge their
quarter-final defeat by Leverkusen in 2002.

Leading 1-0 after the home leg, Gerard Houllier's side fell apart in the
face of a Michael Ballack-inspired Leverkusen who won 4-2 in the return tie.

However, although the German side finished top of their group in the
current campaign, they are not in the same class as the 2002 team and
Liverpool could have been given a much tougher prospect.

"I think we are happy enough," said the Anfield club's chief executive
Rick Parry.

"We don't fear any team at this stage. Hopefully, we can do a bit better
against Leverkusen than the last time we played them.

"It is not easy but we will get on with it now.

"I'm pleased we didn't get one of the Italian clubs - you have to play
them at some stage but it (the draw) is OK."

Parry also admitted progressing to the knockout stage was incredibly
significant for the club - and not just because of the money it would
bring in.

"It is a massive boost to be through to last 16. People have been
talking about finances but it is a pure football boost," he told Sky
Sports News.

"It keeps the second half of the season alive. We are really looking
forward to the knock-out phase."

Draw in full:

First knockout round (all kick-offs 1945 GMT)

First Legs

Tuesday February 22
Bayern v Arsenal
LIVERPOOL v Leverkusen
PSV v Monaco
Real Madrid v Juventus

Wednesday February 23
Barcelona v Chelsea
Bremen v Lyon
Man. United v Milan
Porto v Internazionale

Second Legs

Tuesday March 8
Chelsea v Barcelona
Lyon v Bremen
AC Milan v Man. United

Wednesday March 9
Arsenal v Bayern
Juventus v Real Madrid
Leverkusen v LIVERPOOL
Monaco v PSV

Tuesday March 15
Internazionale v Porto


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