Liverpool embark on their Champions League trip to Madrid today boosted by Steven Gerrard's inclusion in the squad, and with open defiance over their faltering title challenge.
The 28-year-old was cleared to lead the team at the Bernabeu in the Champions League last 16 first-leg against a rejuvenated Real Madrid, who have won their last nine La Liga fixtures.
The England international is not totally fit following a hamstring injury, but manager Rafael Benitez considers it is worth the risk taking the midfielder to Spain.
With Gerrard in the party, Liverpool are defiantly looking ahead rather than back at Sunday's disappointing home draw with Manchester City, which has severely damaged their chances of catching champions Manchester United at the top of the Barclays Premier League.
But defender Jamie Carragher, who will have a crucial role against Real's star strikers tomorrow, refuses to accept the domestic title is now out of reach.
He said: 'It's going to be difficult but we aren't about to throw in the towel. There are still points to be played for. We were disappointed to lose two points against City and it puts more pressure on us to go to Old Trafford and try and get a win there next month.
'But if you want to win titles that's what you have got to do. We have been to some big grounds this season and got some good results so hopefully we can do that there too.
'We cannot worry too much about what Manchester United are doing. We have got to focus on our own matches and try and do better.'
Carragher admits they have already dropped too many points at Anfield this season, adding: 'We have drawn too many at home but we do not know how the season will end yet and we could still go on a great run and catch Manchester United.
'We are capable of that, but if at the end of the season it hasn't gone as well as we would have liked, it is something (the draws) we will probably look at.
'A lot of teams come to Anfield and sit deep and that is something we have got to try and overcome.
'We do that ourselves when we play away in Europe. We do not lose often at home but we need to turn some of the draws into wins. We've got to be disappointed but at least we are still unbeaten at home.'
He added: 'Anything can happen with football. You may say it is unlikely but United could draw a few games so you never know.
'It is never as black and white as that. We still have to go there and we need to win that game, which will be difficult because United are a great side. But that's something we will have to try and do if we want to win the league.'
Gerrard's return will further boost a Liverpool side not surprisingly deflated after Sunday's draw.
If he can get through the Madrid clash unscathed, and then focus on the next two league games at Middlesbrough and home to Sunderland, Liverpool's season could still be salvaged.
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