Two great wins, first against the current champions of Europe in their own backyard, and then on Saturday overcoming the usual European hangover to totally mow down Sheffield United.

Liverpool have had more trouble than their main contenders in England adjusting to the Premiership after midweek European clashes, and the Blades are not the type of team you want after a tactical battle in Europe.

Rafa Benitez made seven changes for Saturday's game at Anfield, bringing in a lot of game-hungry squad players eager to impress and win a starting place on a more regular basis. Maybe this is a good option against teams whose main objective is not to be relegated and survive another season so they can strengthen their club on the wealth of the Premiership.

Neil Warnock was incensed by the referee's decision to give Liverpool a penalty following a foul by Rob Kozluk on Stephen Gerrard for holding in the area. What made this such a stupid foul is that 20 seconds earlier the referee had warned Kozluk about the same thing. When play resumed Kozluk stood one metre in front of the ref,  ignored his advice, and committed the exact same foul again. Gerrard made the most of it but who would not capitalise on such stupidity?

The most interesting decision made by Benitez during the week was his handling of Argentinian Javier Mascherano, whose controversial signing was sanctioned by the Premier League only a few days earlier. Mascherano was on the bench for the Champions League clash with Barcelona at the Nou Camp, and made his full debut against Sheffield United, even though he has only just moved to Anfield and had only played one game for his former club, West Ham, since his move at the start of the season.

Benitez showed amazing faith in a player who has had virtually no playing time in the last six months. The reason for this is because Rafa knows he has a truly world-class player on his hands who, for whatever reason, has had his confidence knocked for six by West Ham's reluctance to give him a chance. By including him in the squad in Barcelona and giving a game against the Blades, Benitez hoped the player's confidence would be restored.

As it turned out, Mascherano was a spectator for most of the first half. His only contribution to the game was to quickly belt a free-kick against an opposing player with no Liverpool teammate in sight. It was a clear sign of a player with zero confidence trying to impress, but he did improve in the second half and showed some nice touches, though Rafa has a lot of work to do.

But of course, the big event occured at the Nou Camp where Liverpool once again overcame the odds to create another historic European night. The 2-1 victory was absolutely brilliant, but let's not forget that the tie is only half over, and Barcelona are notorious European fighters.

They are more capable than any other team in the world of overturning the decifit from the first game.
The reigning European champions have had a much harder time from the media, with latest reports suggesting that Ronaldhino is fighting a weight problem and is far from his best, while internal squabbles have rattled their confidence. But with Samuel Eto'o back in the team this weekend and likely to play at Anfield, Liverpool would be unwise to dismiss the chances of the Spanish giants.

If you also look at the way the Barcelona players have rallied around their "roly poly"  Brazilian play-maker, then it shows exactly what Liverpool will be up against at Anfield. Taking all this into account, Liverpool's goal cushion from the away leg should be enough to see them through to the last eight in Europe.

After all, this is Fortress Anfield - as Manchester United are also about to find out at the weekend.

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