LIVERPOOL’S 24-hour long journey to Madrid wasn’t ideal preparation but I honestly don’t think it will have any impact on tonight’s Europa League semi-final first leg against Atletico.

It’s been like something out of that John Candy film ‘Planes, Trains and Automobiles’ and it’s made for a different type of news story.

But all that’s basically happened is that they have gone to Bordeaux by train with an overnight stop in Paris along the way and then got a flight.

I don’t see it as being a big issue. After all they have been on luxury trains and coaches, and had two nights sleep before the game in top hotels.

If anything it will have been a bit of fun for the players. It’s been bonding time with all the lads together which you wouldn’t usually get. That should boost team spirit so it might even work in Liverpool’s favour.

Forget the travelling, the more important factor is that Liverpool played on Monday night, while Atletico have had an extra two days rest. That certainly gives them a bit of an advantage.

There is no Sergio Aguero for Atletico as the striker is suspended and that’s a big plus for Liverpool. It would have been very difficult to deal with him, Diego Forlan and Simao.

Atletico have had a very indifferent season. They have changed their manager and are only mid-table in La Liga. Over two legs they are certainly beatable.

Of course you would take 0-0 tonight but if Liverpool could score over there I’d be very confident about going through.

I think Liverpool need to nick a goal as with the firepower Atletico have they are certainly capable of scoring at Anfield.

Of course Liverpool will play like they always do away in Europe under Rafael Benitez. They will look to keep it tight. The priority will be not conceding and then they will try to hit Atletico on the break. European football is a different animal to the Premier League. It’s like a game of chess – it’s all about organisation and nicking a goal.