From Rafa Benítez to Andoni Iraola: Liverpool’s remarkable Spanish Champions League connection

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Yet Iraola is far from the first Spaniard to leave his mark on Liverpool’s Champions League history. From Rafa Benítez’s Istanbul triumph to Xabi Alonso’s unforgettable equaliser, Spanish influence runs through some of Liverpool’s most memorable European nights.

Arriving at Anfield in 2004, the Spaniard immediately brought his tactical identity to Merseyside and guided Liverpool to one of the greatest Champions League triumphs of all time in Istanbul in 2005. His first season ended with European glory, while Alonso remained a crucial figure as Benítez’s Liverpool reached another final in 2007.

Spanish influence was not peripheral to that Liverpool team - it was everywhere. Álvaro Arbeloa (2007-2009) Álvaro Arbeloa arrived at Liverpool in January 2007 from Deportivo La Coruña, but Benítez wasted little time giving his new signing one of the biggest tests imaginable. Now, at Anfield, against one of Spain’s most influential clubs no less, he has the opportunity to add his own chapter to Liverpool’s remarkable Spanish history.