Fabio Capello left stunned by Liverpool and their 'unbelievable force' after secret plan pays off

Liverpool enjoyed one of Anfield's most famous nights on this day in 2002.

Indeed, before Barcelona 2019 or even Chelsea 2005, the arrival of Roma and more accurately the return of Gerard Houllier inspired Anfield to roar Liverpool to victory against the Italians 22 years ago.

Under the old Champions League format, Liverpool had to win their final second group stage game by two goals to reach the quarter-finals for the first time since 1985.

The match against the Italian champions was always going to be electric, but the surprise return of manager Houllier, who had undergone emergency heart surgery five months earlier, added to the emotion.

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Assistant boss Phil Thompson, who had stepped in admirably during Houllier's absence, knew his return would boost both players and fans on an emotional night at Anfield.

"It was fantastic timing, I'll admit that," Thompson said. "It was just one of those things that felt right. Gerard felt strong, he was ready, and he did not want to put the day off for too much longer.

"The players deserved the credit but it would be stupid to deny Gerard made a difference, and it was done in quite a clever way. Gerard did not want the day to be about him so we kept the plan secret.

"It was a surprise to the players when he turned up at the hotel at 6pm to give the team talk. When he got on the bus to go to the game you could tell the players were lifted. It just made for a magical night. I just knew we wouldn't be beaten."

Houllier got a huge cheer when he came out of the tunnel and got a big