Reina: YOU can the make the difference

The Reds must overturn a two-goal first-leg deficit if they're to see off the Russian champions and progress into the last 16 of the Europa League.

Only victory by a three-goal-or-greater margin will be enough to see Liverpool through inside 90 minutes - and that's where the fans will come in, according to Reina.

He told Liverpoolfc.com: "It's up to both, players and fans. We have to show character from the beginning, especially in the first 15-20 minutes to get the people right behind us, but then they will lift us in the weak moments as they always do.

"The fact it is a night game makes it different. Supporters come to the game more excited. It's difficult to explain, but there's a different kind of atmosphere.

"It will be even bigger and louder if we can score the next goal in the tie, so hopefully we can do that."

Reina has figured in some unforgettable European nights at Anfield for Liverpool - but he's also well aware of what it's like for the opposition.

The goalkeeper lined up for Barcelona in the 2001 UEFA Cup semi-final, second-leg tie where Gary McAllister's penalty secured a famous 1-0 win for the Reds.

Watch the video here »

Reina added: "There is no doubt [the fans can make a difference].

"Everybody knows about Anfield on a European night and I can tell you from experience, it's very impressive when you play against Liverpool at Anfield."

A more favourable memory for Reina is the second leg of the 2007 Champions League semi-final against Chelsea.

The custodian saved two penalties as Liverpool overturned a 1-0 first-leg defeat to progress to the final.

It's an experience that gives Reina confidence the Reds can do something similar this time around.

He explained: "The Chelsea second leg in 2007 was a good example. Although it was not 2-0, it was 1-0, it was a difficult result and history could have been different if they'd scored in the first few minutes or so. That's the mentality to have and hopefully it will be the same result at the end.

"Anfield was rocking that night and I haven't been in an atmosphere like that since."

Should Liverpool concede on Thursday night, they'll be required to score a minimum of four goals to progress - otherwise Zenit will take advantage of the away-goals rule.

Reina, therefore, is well aware the defence's role on the night could be just as important as the attack's.

"The mentality of the players is different when you go into a game like this because you know you have to win by two or three goals," said the stopper. We need to make sure we don't concede - that's the first step in trying to overtake them.

"90 minutes is a long period of time and we have to make sure we defend well first and then we will have the chances.

"We always have great chances at Anfield - five or six chances in front of goal - and this will be no different.

"We have to make sure that if possible we don't concede and if we do, we'll have to score four rather than three.  I am really optimistic. It is a very difficult score to turn around, but with the supporters right behind us I think the mentality will be spot on.

"Always, especially in a cup tie with the away goals rule, concentration is critical. I'll be ready and try to make sure we don't concede goals along with the back four and the rest of the team.

He continued: "We want to win every trophy we're involved in. It's going to be tough.

"2-0 was not what we went there for, but we could have scored two or three goals and it would have been a different story. But it is the way it is and 2-0 is a very tough result to overturn, but if there is one place that can do it, it's Anfield - there is no doubt about that."

Liverpool will be without the ineligible Daniel Sturridge and Philippe Coutinho on Thursday, both of whom were on the scoresheet in Sunday's 5-0 win over Swansea.

Fabio Borini, meanwhile, is sidelined with injury - but Reina is adamant the Reds have the necessary firepower to do the job.

He stated: "We'll be fine, there's no doubt the manager will work on that and we will produce a team that is capable of winning the game and go through to the next round.

"As the manager said after the game, the next goal in the tie is going to be vital - and if we can score that goal, with Anfield right behind us, it will be very, very important."

With the pre-match talking almost done, Reina had one final message for the Liverpool fans attending the game.

"Be as you always are - supporting the team," he said. "Give your best, as we all will that night. We will give our 100 per cent no matter what the result will be. We need you right behind us."