John Arne Riise remains convinced the reds can put in a good performance in a do or die game in the 1st Leg of the Champions League 2nd round

"At Anfield the atmosphere for a European game is always something special. The atmopshere for the games against Olympiacos and Roma in 2002 are the most memorable I have ever played in. The fans can lift us on Tuesday night against Leverkusen.

"I remember the last time we played them and we took a 1-0 lead to Germany. For the second game Jari Litmanen scored a late goal and we thought they were through but they scored.

"We were very disappointed and felt there was a real chance for us that year to go all the way. That is one of the biggest disappointments of my Liverpool career so far and the other one was in the same year when we finished with 80 points and didn't win the league. Normally when you get 80 points that is enough to win it."

The Norwegian international says the team are in good spirits for the match despite the absence of Steven Gerrard and Fernando Morientes.

Riise said: "You always need your best players and Steven is devastated he can't play but suspensions and injuries and part and parcel of football. We know the players who will come in are good and we will need to perform well to take a good result to Germany.

"We know this is a big game against a hard working team who will be tough opponents but we are ready and prepared for the game. The players know our performance at Birmingham wasn't good enough but we know that and are our own worst critics.

"We have had nine days to train and without a match we are refreshed now and looking forward to this game."

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