On this day in 2007: Liverpool defeat Barcelona at the Camp Nou

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What exactly were Craig Bellamy, John Arne Riise and co up to on this day in 2007?

Exactly 11 years ago to the day, Liverpool recorded an emphatic 2-1 victory against Barcelona away at the Nou Camp in the Champions League round of 16.

Last week, Liverpool recorded a similarly emphatic result away in the Champions League, as they thrashed FC Porto 5-0 in their first leg tie at the same point in the competition, albeit against a far less formidable opponent.

Craig Bellamy and John Arne Riise were on hand to fire home goals for the Reds, while Deco’s solo effort was the only consolation for Barcelona on the night.

The victory came during a time when Liverpool were included within the category of European giants, having won the European Cup itself in the infamous Istanbul final in 2005.

Liverpool’s result against Barca 11 years ago today sparked another brilliant cup run, which saw the Reds reach the final for the second time in two seasons, along with Carlo Ancelotti’s AC Milan side.

Unfortunately for Benitez’s men, they were unable to emulate their emphatic 2005 victory, as Milan ran out eventual 2-1 winners in the Athens final.

One major similarity can be drawn between the 2007 Champions League campaign and this season’s, however, and that is the re-emergence of English clubs as European superpowers.

It has been a number of years since the Premier League representatives in Europe have made any real impact on the competition. However, with a record five teams in the round of 16 this season, it feels like the English sides are beginning to get back to their best.

In 2007, three English teams reached the semi-finals as Liverpool defeated Chelsea and Manchester United lost out to Milan.

The following season saw an all-English final featuring Chelsea and Manchester United and, with five teams in the round of 16 this year, we could yet see a strong Premier League representation in the latter rounds of the tournament.

Nights like that of 21 February 2007 will not be forgotten anytime soon by the Liverpool faithful, who are finally beginning to enjoy the football that is expected of their historic club.