Downing: We met the Dortmund lads
Stewart Downing has explained how a group of Liverpool players watched Borussia Dortmund reach the Champions League final on Tuesday – and met several of the German side's stars post match.
The Reds winger was among a number of first-team members who travelled to the Santiago Bernabeu for Dortmund's semi-final, second leg against Real Madrid, a special trip arranged to mark the upcoming retirement of Jamie Carragher.
Madrid triumphed 2-0 on the evening but were eliminated on aggregate, and the Liverpool party were afforded the opportunity to congratulate the victors by former loanee Nuri Sahin.
Downing told the Liverpool Echo: "Once Carra announced his retirement, Stevie mentioned to the lads that we should do something and with Carra loving his football so much, we decided to go to a game.
"The manager allowed us to go over there and we were all in a box at the Bernabeu on Tuesday night.
"It was the first time I've been there and it's an amazing stadium. The atmosphere towards the end, after Real scored those two late goals, was brilliant.
"Nuri Sahin joined us in the box after and brought a few of the Dortmund players with him. They were obviously delighted about getting through."
"The manager allowed us to go over there and we were all in a box at the Bernabeu on Tuesday night."
Stewart Downing
With just three games remaining in 2012-13 - beginning with the visit of Everton on Sunday - the England international insisted that concentration on Liverpool matters has immediately returned.
"It was a good trip but since we got back the focus has been solely on Everton," the 28-year-old added.
"Carra has been on at everyone making sure they are ready for Sunday. It's strange to think that he won't be around next season, but I think once he had made his decision there was no chance of him going back on it.
"Since he came back into the team he has done really well and he wants to go out on a high.
"With this being his last derby, Sunday will be extra special. He's desperate to win it - as we all are. We don't need reminding how big this game is.
"It's not just about the bragging rights. We need the points if we want to get above Everton and finish in the top six."