---
title: "On this day: Dirk Kuyt gives Liverpool a Champions League lifeline"
canonical: "https://readliverpoolfc.com/articles/on-this-day-dirk-kuyt-gives-liverpool-a-champions-league-lifeline/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Dan Clubbe"
section: "Articles"
published: "2021-04-02T08:00:00Z"
modified: "2021-04-02T08:00:00Z"
---

# On this day: Dirk Kuyt gives Liverpool a Champions League lifeline

On this day (April 2) 2008, [Dirk Kuyt](https://readliverpoolfc.com/2020/04/07/liverpool-fans-debate-which-former-star-theyd-love-to-see-in-klopps-team/) grabbed [Liverpool](https://readliverpoolfc.com/2021/04/01/virals-gerard-pique-opens-up-on-anfield-misery/) a crucial away goal at the Emirates Stadium in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals first leg tie against Saturday’s Premier League opponents Arsenal.

The industrious Dutchman[struck back just three minutes after](https://www.lfchistory.net/) Emmanuel Adebayor had put the home side ahead, giving the Reds a major foothold in the contest.

A Liverpool side managed by Rafa Benitez[contained players such as](https://www.skysports.com/football/arsenal-vs-liverpool/teams/100279)Javier Mascherano, Martin Skrtel and of course, Steven Gerrard, held on for a[1-1 draw](https://www.skysports.com/football/arsenal-vs-liverpool/report/100279)in north London and gave themselves a superb chance for the second leg on Merseyside.

In typical Anfield fashion, the Reds were fired up for a huge European night a week later and despite going a goal behind early on, strikes [from Sami Hyypia, Fernando Torres, Ryan Babel](https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/match/301910--liverpool-vs-arsenal/)and a Gerrard penalty gave Liverpool a 4-2 (5-3 agg) success.

Unfortunately, the Reds[crashed out in the semi-finals to Chelsea](https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/7368736.stm)after extra time – with arch-rivals Manchester United going on to lift the trophy.

Liverpool [could face Chelsea in this seasons semi-finals](https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/draws/) and will be hoping to exact revenge from the defeat 13 years ago.

Whilst more pressing matters see Jurgen Klopp’s side travel back to the Emirates tomorrow looking to keep [top-four hopes](https://www.premierleague.com/tables) alive.