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In a perfect world, Liverpool would have netted a few goals in a comfortable win in Augsburg, and could have reasonably rested some players ahead of Sunday's League Cup Final. Instead, Liverpool were all-to-easily frustrated in front of goal again, and in some ways were lucky to escape Germany with a 0-0 draw.
For the Reds, returning to Anfield as the home side in a European tie means that keeping a cleansheet is even more imperative than usual. As such, it's not unreasonable to think defensive midfielder Lucas Leiva could be called upon to help stifle opposition attacks.
If called upon the veteran midfielder says it's an opportunity to be taken seriously.
"Of course, on Sunday it is a big final, but this is another final for us on Thursday," Lucas explained, "For myself, if I've got a chance to play it'll be another chance to show we want to be in the team for the final. This is an opportunity for us. But it's an also an opportunity to go to the next round in a tournament we want to go as far as possible in. It's a European tournament and they should always be taken really seriously."
Lucas, aware of the precarious situation Liverpool have left themselves in concerning away goals, has a novel solution to the problem: just win the game.
"At the end of the day, if we win the game then we're though. Of course, we'll need to be careful but I don't think we should pay too much attention to that. It is a positive factor for them if they score, but if we win the game then we're through so we just have to approach it like a final - because it is a final - and then with our quality, we should be able to get to the next round."
Although Lucas is known more for his defensive skills, perhaps there is another reason to start the 29-year-old Brazilian. Lucas actually leads the team in European goals for Liverpool with three over his career. If nothing else, that fact only highlights how important it is for this squad to continue gaining valuable European experience throughout the rest of this campaign.