The Champions League knockout stage arrives

Last season, Liverpool had fought their way through the UEFA Champions League, clearing every hurdle before finally lifting the Big Ears Cup.

This season, they hoped to repeat that miracle.

The Champions League round of sixteen was about to begin.

Liverpool's opponents were the Portuguese giants Porto.

Porto were one of Portuguese football's traditional powerhouses, with two Champions League titles to their name.

Their home ground, the Dragon Stadium, was renowned throughout Europe for its intimidating atmosphere.

But Liverpool now boasted a formidable squad, and their morale was soaring.

Chen Anno, in particular, was in the finest form of his career.

Everyone believed Liverpool could come away from Porto with a victory and continue their title defense.

Porto, meanwhile, were itching for a fight.

As one of Portugal's giants, they had no intention of surrendering meekly on home turf.

A clash of titans was about to unfold at the Dragon Stadium.

As for Liverpool's fans, they simply hoped their Super Anno would stay healthy and keep spearheading the team's conquests.

Next, Liverpool would travel to Porto in Portugal to play at the famous Dragon Stadium.

Porto were one of Portuguese football's traditional giants.

Founded in 1893 and based in a coastal city in the northwestern Iberian Peninsula, this storied club was one of the oldest and most distinguished in Portuguese football.

The city of Porto was famous around the world for its wine.

Football was another glittering symbol of the city.

In Portugal, Porto, Benfica, and Sporting CP were collectively known as the "big three."

These three teams had all but monopolized the honors in Portuguese football.

And Porto stood out even among them.

Porto were also famous for their youth development.

Their academy had produced countless outstanding players, supplying Europe's biggest clubs with a steady stream of talent.