Steven Gerrard has said Liverpool will have to play like “heroes” if they are to overturn a 1-0 semi-final first-leg defeat by Atletico Madrid in the Europa League at Anfield next week (4/7 Liverpool 12/5 draw 9/2 Atletico Madrid – match betting).

The Reds appeared heavy-legged off the back of a gruelling 24-hour, 1,200-mile trip to the Spanish capital by road, rail and air because of the flight restrictions imposed by the cloud of volcanic ash when they fell to an early goal by former Manchester United striker Diego Forlan on Thursday.

The setback at the Vicente Calderon means Rafael Benitez’s men must roll their sleeves up if they are to reach their third European final in six years.

England midfielder Gerrard is refusing to believe Liverpool have blown their last chance of silverware this season and is expecting another special European atmosphere at Anfield.

“It is still half-time. We are still confident we can progress and we know we can turn any result around with our fans behind us, especially a 1-0,” said Gerrard.

He added: “If you don’t want to play in that game there is something wrong.

“These are the stages you want to play on, these are the nights when heroes are made.”

The Reds staged one of the most remarkable comebacks in European history when they came from 3-0 at half-time to beat AC Milan on penalties in the 2005 Champions League final.

Gerrard was at his inspirational best in the group stages when he rescued his team-mates in the final game against Olympiacos.

This season they have also trailed against Lille and Benfica before securing second-leg wins.

The 29-year-old expects Thursday will not be the faint-hearted but is confident Liverpool can reach the final in Hamburg on May 12 (3/4 Liverpool – To Qualify).

He said: “We haven’t played well at all on the road in the league or in Europe but we’ve got the experience, the know-how, of turning these results around.”

He added: “Atletico have got fantastic players who can hurt you so we know we need to perform perfectly if we want to get to Hamburg.”

Liverpool must first collect maximum points off Burnley to keep alive their remote hopes of a top-four finish and Gerrard says he expects Benitez to make changes for the trip to Turf Moor.

He said: “I’m sure the manager will make a few changes to freshen things up and we’ll try to get a win against Burnley and then prepare for a massive game, the biggest of the season, next Thursday.”

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