That's quite a statement, but it highlights the measure of the result against one of the top sides in the world.
Bearing in mind the build-up and the level of interest from around the globe, it was a massive game.
From the moment the draw was made we were positive about the challenge. We emphasised our excitement and our determination to prove that we are right up there with the best. You also have to take into account everything that has been going on around us regarding the takeover and other headlines. It was crucial that we returned our focus to the field of play, something I highlighted in last week's column.
The players responded superbly which is why I believe the victory was up there with anything we have achieved in the last 40 years.
It was fantastic. Barcelona are a great club in a great stadium in a great city. They are one of the world's top footballing institutions and this was a match that everyone wanted to be at. I can't remember a build-up being quite as exciting as this.
Let's be clear, they were up for it as well because there is a mutual respect between our two clubs, both giants in the game. It was always going to be a tremendous tie.
When the draw was made, we did not say "Oh no, it's Barcelona!". Our immediate response was about the potential for a fabulous challenge, home and away. In that con, it was an outstanding performance, a tremendous result and an occasion that was hugely satisfying for the players and the fans.
As I said, after all that has been happening it was a huge relief to get back to a big football occasion. I know that Tom Hicks and George Gillett would have loved to have been there. Out of respect for the offer process which continues they deliberately kept away. A lot of fans asked me if they were going to be there. Both men have been very respectful. The s have only just gone out and the last thing they wanted was to seem presumptuous.
However, I know they were watching and as thrilled with the result as everyone at Anfield. Of course, we have some more big games looming and it's vital that we retain our focus and don't get carried away.
Equally, two goals away from home in Spain was a superb achievement and I'm not going to try and under-play it. What a fantastic night is now in prospect at Anfield. It will be up there with the best and I know our crowd will respond and get right behind the team.
We need to think about other unforgettable Euro occasions like Roma and Chelsea at home when the stadium was a cauldron. Once again, the team will be looking for a real lift from our supporters on another great Champions League night.
Fans will be tracking the takeover latest and many of you will be aware that I went to the States last week to visit Dallas.
Previously, I'd been to Montreal where George Gillett owns the Canadiens. I looked at their stadium with great interest and now I had the chance to visit the Texas Rangers' stadium owned by Tom Hicks. During the visit we had constructive discussions about our new stadium and how we might add value and pick up on some of the best of the ideas from the arenas in the States. It's not a case of just imitating them. There are things in America we can do and things we can't do.
It's a case of being open-minded and picking the best of what those stadiums can offer without thinking you can transplant all of it. They do some things extremely well and I was impressed.
Clearly, the important thing now is to let the offer process takes its course with our shareholders and then pick things up beyond that.
We got through some important activity before the transfer window closed. We are grateful to the Premier League and the FA for their approval regarding West Ham midfielder Javier Mascherano.
It was pleasing the Premier League issued such a positive statement because, in some ways, it is a ground-breaking deal that is now near completion. We were only prepared to do it on the basis that there would be complete transparency with the League. In many ways I felt sorry for the player. He just wanted his future to be certain. It was important to bring him here and get him settled in and involved with the squad. It is nice that things have finally been resolved and great to see him sitting on the bench in Barcelona.
Mascherano will be a tremendous addition to the squad because he is a player with undoubted quality.
Of course, one man who was involved on the pitch in Spain was defender Alvaro Arbeloa from Deportivo La Coruna. After the failure to get Lucas Neill, it was important to secure additional cover, predominantly on the right. It was interesting to actually see him making his Champions League debut on the left, but he played right across the back four with his previous club, including centre-half.
Again, his versatility and quality has given the squad a boost.
====
دخت وانا اترجم اليوم
هذا مقال ريك باري ويتكلم فيه عن مباراه البارسا السابقه
![رابطة عُـشّـاق الـــريدز .. ][ ليفربـــــول ][ .. 2006 - 2007](iconimages/t316600_rtl.gif)
والا لا يا بدر 
وابو محمد 
الوضع العادي
