Both sides went into the match missing key strikers and opted for a lone man up front with Atletico's Argentine international Kun Aguero suspended while injury denied Liverpool's Fernando Torres the chance to play against his former club.

BBC: Atletico Madrid 1-0 Liverpool

Vikings won just once in four games against Barrow last season and go into this match with several key players missing.

BBC: Widnes coach Paul Cullen encounters training problems

Case in point: In April 2009, Manchester United called up Federico Macheda, a 17-year-old who had never played a professional game, for a key match against Aston Villa.

WSJ: Premier League Cavalry