Adam: Win shows we'll reach potential
It was the kind of topsy-turvy comeback that has been so synonymous with Liverpool success over the years, and Adam Lallana believes the manner of Tuesday's 2-1 victory over Ludogorets Razgrad was testament to the spirit within the current Anfield squad.
Mario Balotelli's first goal in Red put the hosts ahead on 81 minutes, only for Dani Abalo to net an injury-time equaliser for the Bulgarian visitors.
However, with stoppage-time ebbing away, Liverpool won a 93rd minute penalty which was successfully dispatched by Steven Gerrard and secured what could prove to be a priceless win in Champions League Group B.
"The win was all that mattered and looking back, we were the only English side to get a victory over the two days, so that shows what a tough competition it is," Lallana reflected when chatting with Liverpoolfc.com at Melwood. "We didn't underestimate them - and they proved why.
"I think our character shone through at the end, getting the goal in the last minute after conceding an equaliser in the 91st.
"We know we've not reached our potential in terms of playing at our best, but with the character we showed the other night, we know we'll reach that."
Lallana was one of eight players making their European debut for Liverpool on Tuesday night.
Brendan Rodgers admitted on Thursday that a period of adaptation will be required while the Reds re-adjust following a busy summer of transfer activity.
Sentiments Lallana, himself a July purchase from Southampton, is in full agreement with.
"There'll be a bit of adaptation and a bit of transition," he considered. "It will take a few games, but we're playing in one of the best leagues in the world and in the Champions League, so we're going to have to make that adaptation quickly because we want positive results and want to win games.
"It was important we got the victory after a disappointing defeat to Villa, and we've got another tough game this weekend at West Ham."
For Lallana, it was his first taste of Champions League football - and, indeed, a European occasion at Anfield.
It's an experience he'll be savouring for a long time to come.
He explained: "Against a team people were expecting us to beat, after 60/70 minutes the fans were still right behind us. It gives you that extra bit of belief that might have helped us go on to get that goal at the end.
"There are going to be no easy games in the Champions League, and that was shown the other night.
"It's a huge difference, a huge step-up, and it's something I was really proud of. It was a first appearance in the Champions League for a lot of the players, so on that note it was important for us to get the win. It gives us extra belief.
"The atmosphere at Anfield in the Champions League was quite remarkable and something I can't wait to experience again."