Liverpool’s thrilling victory over Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday clearly didn’t go unnoticed in Spain.
The Reds battled to a 3-2 victory over the French champions in their opening Champions League group game, with Roberto Firmino coming off the bench to score the winner in stoppage time.
It was Liverpool’s sixth competitive game of the season and sixth victory, and they’ll take that 100 per cent record into Saturday’s Premier League clash at home to Southampton , which will again be of particular interest to those in Spain.
Because sports publication Marca have clearly seen enough to tip Liverpool for glory this season – both at home and abroad.
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Ignoring the claims of their own big two Barcelona and Real Madrid , they have come up with 10 reasons why Liverpool can win the Champions League AND the Premier League this season.
Here’s why they think it could finally be their year.
1. Their scoring power
Marca’s first reason in the Reds’ firepower, as they cite that they’ve scored 44 goals since the beginning of the last Champions League season, which is 11 more than Real Madrid and 15 more than PSG.
2. Their forwards
Next came what Marca describe as ‘the MSF trident’ of Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino.
They praise the fact that between them the trio have now scored 100 goals since the beginning of last season, with Salah on 46, Firmino 30 and Mane 24.
3. Jurgen Klopp’s evolution
Marca then praise the impact that Jurgen Klopp has had at Anfield, citing the fact that only one member of his original team lineup – for a goalless draw at Tottenham in October 2015 – is still a regular.
That’s James Milner, with plenty of others either moved on or pushed to the fringes.
4. The defence
Virgil van Dijk is then singled out for praise, with Marca saying he "has made his teammates better" as they cite the fact that the Reds haven’t conceded a goal at home in the Premier League since March.
5. Alisson’s arrival
Next up it is the goalkeeper, with Marca saying that Liverpool "spent several seasons suffering for the lack of stability between the goalposts" before signing Alisson.
It’s hard to argue.
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6. The departure of Philippe Coutinho
He might be living it up in Barcelona, but Marca say that losing Philippe Coutinho was actually a good thing for the Reds.
They claim his departure has "assisted in the team’s collective high pressing style" as they single out the likes of Milner, Naby Keita and Jordan Henderson for praise.
7. Strength in depth
Marca were impressed by the fact that Klopp was able to name Daniel Sturridge in his starting lineup for the PSG game, with the forward repaying his manager’s faith by heading home the opening goal.
Xherdan Shaqiri and Fabinho are also cited as examples of why their squad is so strong.
8. Knockout knowhow
While both Klopp and Liverpool’s recent record in finals can be questioned, their ability to reach them can not, and Marca praise a manager that they say "knows how to lead his team to the last critical game of a tournament."
9. Anfield
It might be a cliche for some, but Marca are clearly impressed with how the Anfield crowd help Liverpool’s players.
They say that "the You’ll Never Walk Alone chant intimidates Liverpool’s opponents, turning Anfield into a fortress".
10. They want it more
Finally, Marca say that Liverpool’s desire is also what makes them stand apart from the others.
Criticising "newcomers of the continental football scene" Manchester City and PSG, they praise Liverpool’s record of reaching five European finals since their last league title in 1990.
Will they be proved right though?
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