Lucas Leiva recalled a 2-0 victory over Inter Milan as the perfect inspiration for the Reds when they welcome Zenit St Petersburg with a two-goal deficit to overturn.

Liverpool trail their Russian opponents after last week's first leg and need a comeback performance in Thursday's return at Anfield.

Manager Brendan Rodgers has explained that patience will be a virtue for his team - and the Brazilian midfielder agreed, referencing the match five years ago.

"I have a lot of good experience playing for Liverpool at Anfield on European nights," the 26-year-old told Liverpoolfc.com.

"I'm really looking forward to having another special night. We know the crowd are really excited about the game.

"The game I always remember is against Inter Milan - we were drawing until the 85th minute and we won 2-0.

"It shows that we have to believe until the end of the game that we can go and score goals and get through to the next stage.

"Hopefully it will be a special night and will be in our memories."

Everyone at the club has pinpointed the supporters as a crucial factor in any memorable evening and Lucas was keen to follow suit.

"All the players know that the atmosphere at Anfield is always very good," the No.21 continued.

"A few of them have never experienced a European night - it's going to be a proper European night and a special night for Liverpool, I hope.

"Make them feel that Anfield is a really difficult place to come. On the pitch we'll try to do the same and get the goals that we need."

With the Reds pushing forward for the minimum two goals they require, Lucas will have a different and important role to play against Zenit.

He concluded: "We have big players that will try to be the hero and make themselves heroes.

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"The most important thing is to get through. It doesn't matter how and who scored the goals.

"But, of course, we want players like Luis Suarez to have a special night, scoring goals, and everyone will be happy.

"We couldn't score any away goals so we know if we concede an away goal it's going to be even harder for us.

"We need to find the right balance - to attack and get the chance to score goals, but be solid in defence because conceding would be really hard for us.

"I'll try to give balance for the team, to be the link between the defence and the attack. That's my job, my role and I'm looking forward to being on the pitch."