Opinion
If you had offered any Liverpool supporter the Premier League title in exchange for the Champions League trophy at the start of the campaign, they would have taken it before you could blink.
Only seven months down the track and Liverpool have just about secured their desperately long-awaited dream of once more being the champions of England, standing 25 points clear of their nearest rivals Manchester City.
Sadly, they have also been dumped from the Champions League after suffering a bitter defeat at the hands of La Liga hit squad, Atletico Madrid. After overturning a 1-0 loss in Spain, Liverpool thought they had secured their spot in the final eight when Roberto Firmino found the back of the net early in extra time.
However, their joy was short-lived, as a scuffed clearance by Adrian San Miguel led to a goal for late substitute Marcos Llorente. With the away goal being twice as valuable, Atletico led the tie.
Liverpool’s hopes only got worse from there as Llorente soon added a second and Alvaro Morata scored a third in the dying seconds.
In the space of 26 minutes, Liverpool’s Champion’s League title defence was shattered.
Now, most would point to their incredible domestic run and claim that, as disappointing as any loss is, that the season was still, by all measures, a huge success. But Liverpool do not hold themselves to the same standards as most.
A first Premier League title was the dream and they were about to achieve it. But true to Liverpool FC and their fans, their disappointment was clear. A near-perfect season was within their grasp but within the space of a few weeks they had lost their flawless league record and also their chance to defend their European crown.
Liverpool’s hunger for success will never be satisfied. For as long as they have Jurgen Klopp at the helm, this is a team that will continue to reach for the stars. He has constructed a team that has no ceiling and its clear that this season is just the beginning of their quest for world domination.
For the Liverpool fans trying desperately to swallow this morning’s bitter pill of defeat, smile because you are witnessing greatness and it is not going to end any time soon.
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