In the past few years, with two Champions League titles since 2009 and a team including some of the world's best players, it is fair to say that Barcelona rarely do defeat. They perhaps do not have quite the illustrious history as rivals Real Madrid, but in the last decade they have arguably been the best team in Europe.
Most times that they are beaten the result will go down as a surprise and on this day in 2007, when the holders were beaten on their own turf by Liverpool, it was no different. Barca, after all, were the holders and although Liverpool had a good recent history in the tournament - winning it in 2005 - few were expecting them to get past Barca over two legs.
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Before the game there had been dramatic headlines in the British press about a training ground altercation between Craig Bellamy and John Arne Riise. However, any claims of unrest were quashed as both players took their place in the lineup and indeed the pair were to become vital performers in the huge win - working hard and getting on the scoresheet.
The Spanish giants had a team comprised of some of the biggest names across Europe and the world. Players who had stood out at previous clubs to become big fish in an even bigger pond. Deco, the Brazilian-born Portuguese international, lit up this competition at Porto and Ronaldinho was still regarded as one of the top players in the world.
Barca's expensively assembled squad was set up to attack, with Ronaldinho joined in attack by Javier Saviola and Lionel Messi. However, they were not given the freedom or respect that they were frequently given across the 90 minutes, although early on it looked like their attacking talent could prove too much for the Reds.
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The opening goal before 15 minutes were on the clock was not the sort of defending that Liverpool would have looked back on with pride. The versatile full-back Gianluca Zambrotta did well on the left to escape the attentions of Steven Gerrard before finding Deco, who was left far too open by Riise at the far post, to head Barca in front. It was not the sort of goal Deco made a career out of scoring, but Barca mattered little and were ahead in their last-16 clash.
Two years ago Liverpool had pulled off the most remarkable of comebacks in the final against AC Milan. They were 3-0 down at half time before pulling it back to win the Champions League on penalties. Coming back against the holders Barca, who had an early lead, would be another fine feat. At the time, the Reds were struggling to contain Barca's passing and movement, and the hosts might have been further ahead had Saviola not shot wide or Pepe Reina saved well from Deco.
As good as they were going forward, the Barca of the time did suffer from defensive issues and this was shown as clear as day by Victor Valdes. Bellamy headed goalwards, but what should have been a save ended with the Spanish goalkeeper catching the ball then carrying it over his own goal line. Dirk Kuyt did his best to steal the goal on the line, but it went to Bellamy.
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The Spanish side threw caution to the wind in the second half by getting numbers forward, but they were far less incisive than they had been in the opening 45. Indeed Frank Rijkaard's men had few chances to restore the lead, and instead Liverpool were beginning to look threatening as Kuyt headed over from close range when he should have done better.
Then the two players who had a reported scuffle in an Algarve training camp combined to put the visitors in front. The Welshman picked up the ball after Valdes had saved, before looking up and squaring for Riise to sweep in for 2-1. Deco hit a post late on with a swerving free kick, but with two away goals to the good Liverpool were well ahead in the tie.
Eidur Gudjohnsen scored in the return leg at Anfield, but Barca's 1-0 win was not enough to avoid Liverpool going through on away goals. A huge win that surprised the football world.
Matt Domm
