Liverpool have been handed arguably the toughest draw possible for the knockout phase of the Champions League. They will face current holders Barcelona when the tournament gets back underway again next February.
And despite the difficulty of the tie, being in the last 16 of the Champions League doesn't really throw up any easy games.
Phil Thompson says that Liverpool are capable of beating Barca over two legs: "It's a fantastic tie. I've played there and beaten them in the Nou Camp. We've also been there and got credible draws a few times. I also remember Gary McAllister scored a goal against them to take us to the UEFA Cup final. It's probably the best tie of the round." The tie sees the 2006 holders take on the 2005 holders.
"I don't think the game will be decided in Spain," continued Thommo, "Barcelona won't win the tie easily. It'll still be alive when the second leg takes place at Anfield and Barca won't be relishing that trip."
One thing that is in Liverpool's favour of course is the local knowledge that Rafa and some of his backroom staff and also players have of the Spanish giants.
That last meeting spoken about by Thommo was in April 2001 in the second leg of the UEFA Cup semis. After a scoreless draw in the first leg at the Nou Camp the Reds beat Barca at Anfield by a single goal, Gary McAllister's penalty.
Of the players involved back then only four remain at Anfield: Sami Hyypia, Jamie Carragher, Steven Gerrard and Robbie Fowler.
Draw in full:
Porto v Chelsea
Celtic v AC Milan
PSV Eindhoven v Arsenal
Lille v Man United
Roma v Lyon
Barcelona v Liverpool
Real Madrid v Bayern Munich
Inter Milan v Valencia
First team listed in each tie will be at home for the first leg. First legs – 20/21 February 2007. Second legs – 6/7 March 2007.