THE VIEW FROM BELGIUM
Yves Bouchard 12 August 2008

Facing a side that has reached two Champions League finals in just four seasons leaves Standard Liege with a mountain to climb, according to Yves Bouchard of La Meuse, Liege's equivalent to the Liverpool Echo.




The setting is a quaint restaurant in the centre of Liege on Friday, August 1.

Amid the hustle and bustle of the lunch-time rush, several players from the reigning Belgian champions, Standard Liege, are sat staring intently at the television screen.

It has just turned noon and the draw for this season's Champions League is underway in Nyon.

After what feels like an age, the name of Les Rouches finally appears and temperatures begin to rise in anticipation. A kind pairing could provide them with a great chance to progress...but then the name of Liverpool appears.

The sudden surge of excitement comes crashing down as the reality of facing one of Europe's most successful names begins to sink in.

"It will be impossible to play and progress against a stronger opponent," says Milan Jovanovic, Standard's Serbian striker.

It is hardly the up-beat attitude you would expect from one of the Belgian champions' most talented players.

But what about the people of the city?

For the citizens of Liege it is an honour to welcome the mythical Merseyside club.

The Reds are a side rich in history and it will be a great occasion for Liege to face a team that captured the hearts of millions of people across the globe with their incredible win in Istanbul back in 2005.

The supporters know it will be difficult against one of Europe's super powers. However, they also see it as a somewhat special occasion as they are not only facing one of the biggest matches of their season, but they will also go head-to-head with a club with similar foundations to its own.

Both cities are industrial, both football clubs are famous for their crowd and, of course, they are both nicknamed the Reds.

There is no doubt such a clash will create a 'red' hot atmosphere in the Sclessin stadium as the hosts try to create their very own 'Anfield factor'.

It is a mouthwatering encounter, but one that also brings with it a sense of foreboding, for Laszlo Boloni's men are also well aware that their chances to go through to the group stages are very slim.

Slim - but not impossible. There are players in the Standard Liege team that have it in them to create a surprise against Liverpool. Fans and press alike immediately think of Marouane Fellaini.

The powerful midfielder was in China last week, preparing for the Olympic Games with the Belgian team; but with Liverpool on the horizon, Standard Supremo Lucien D'Onofrio was eager to get one of his side's key men back in the fold and sent his private jet to the Far East to collect him.

But will it be enough to claim a shock qualification against Benitez and his stars tomorrow?

Everybody in the Liege team is beginning to dream of success but one thing is for certain, it will be very complicated.

Even some of the natives will be pro-Liverpool on the night with one member of the club's local supporters club commenting: "For a club the size of Liverpool, playing against Standard is like facing a side from Azerbaijan."

A harsh assessment, but one that home fans and players alike will be hoping to prove wrong come the final whistle on Wednesday night.

Prediction: Liege to grab a surprise 2-2 draw.