The atmosphere outside Anfield is full of smoke, fire and exactly what you'd expect from Liverpool fans. Before the first leg of the Champions League semifinal between Roma and Liverpool, at least this time around Liverpool fans have allowed the opposing players to enter the stadium without incurring significant safety risks. At least off the field.
The scenes outside Anfield looked like B roll footage from a post-apocalyptic Michael Bay movie.
Liverpool fans are in full voice on the streets surrounding Anfield #LFC https://t.co/hEkSaTmCxy pic.twitter.com/RGmeeVGQCV
— Telegraph Football (@TeleFootball) April 24, 2018
The prospect of advancing to a Champions League Final has Liverpool fans on the verge of hysteria. Many pundits credited the atmosphere outside Anfield before Liverpool's quarterfinal against Man City as an important tone setter for their lopsided win.
In the spirit of pyrotechnics, Liverpool's romp of City resembled fireworks. Jurgen Klopp's rock-and-roll football was pitted against Pep Guardiola's possession-oriented attack, and their domestic rivalry catapulted to new heights.
The animostiy between Roma and Liverpool has been more like a slow burn. But make no mistake, these fans remember the 1984 European Cup Final, the 2001 UEFA Cup match-up and their 2002 Champions League meetings. Liverpool has had the upperhand, and their fans did everything they can to keep it that way.