Virgil van Dijk speaks about Brighton and Bayer Leverkusen ahead of Champions League Cla

Liverpool were shocked in the first half against Brighton and conceded early before turning the tide in the second half to come back from 1-0 down to finish the match 2-1 winners.

The Dutch captain calls for a similar clash with Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen tonight as Liverpool welcome the German side to Anfield in the final round of the UEFA Champions League.

This is what Virgil said this in his column in the official match day programme:

“Another home game and another opportunity for us to show what we stand for as a team.

“Before Saturday’s game against Brighton I talked about how important Anfield would be if we won and I have to say I was right. The atmosphere was fantastic and certainly played a big role in our excellent comeback in the second half.

“We never have easy games against Brighton and it is clear that we have had some difficult moments, especially in the first half. We were sloppy in possession and we didn’t press anywhere as well as we could. We deserved to be behind at half-time, there’s no doubt about that.

“The second half, however, was a different story. We came out of the break with a completely different energy and I think we got what we deserved from the game. It was three big points for us, especially when you see the other results around the Premier League this weekend.

“I must also give a special mention to Joe Gomez, who came into the match in difficult circumstances after Ibrahima Konate’s injury just before half-time. Fortunately, it looks like Ibou is doing well, but Joey really showed his quality in the second half with a brilliant performance.

“As I’ve said many times, we need everyone to contribute in the coming weeks and months, and it’s great to see that guys like Joey, as well as others like Wataru, Cody, Kostas and Curtis and Darwin, are willing to to seize their opportunity when called upon. It’s a team game and everyone will play their part throughout the season.

“Tonight we face another difficult match and another very strong opponent. It’s hard not to be impressed by what Bayer Leverkusen has done over the past twelve months. They have been one of the best and most consistent teams in Europe and achieved incredible things in Germany last season. They have a good manager, someone who obviously knows our supporters very well, and they will arrive at Anfield very motivated, ready to give us a very tough test.

“We have to start the game better than against Brighton, that’s for sure. We need to build on those performances in the second half and take all the positives into tonight’s game. If we can do that, we’ll be in good shape.

“We enjoy the many challenges that currently come our way. Our results so far have been very good, both domestically and in the Champions League, and that obviously gives us a lot of confidence. We know we can compete in any game and against any opponent.

“But we still want more. We know there is still a long way to go this season and we are still working. We must stay humble, keep fighting, and keep demanding more of ourselves.

“I would say continue to enjoy it. It’s a privilege to play in games like this, and one we should never take for granted.

“I’m looking forward to another special Anfield atmosphere tonight.”

Liverpool and Bayer Leverkusen face off tonight at 8pm GMT, with both teams unbeaten in the competition so far.