Liverpool striker Roberto Firmino says they need to go back to basics.

Liverpool face RB Leipzig in the first leg of a last-16 tie on Tuesday, dreaming of ­recreating their run to the final two years ago when they beat Tottenham in ­Madrid to lift the trophy.

Firmino said: “We need to react because the season is not going as we expected, and the Champions League is a good place to do it.

“We can start from scratch in this competition. We know there is still a chance to win it.

“We are not happy with many of our latest results, but this can change – and we can do it in this competition.

“The experience of ­winning the Champions League before was unique, something special for us and for the fans – we'd sign right now to win it again this ­season."

He continued: "With a normal rhythm of matches we would not have suffered so many Premier League defeats.

“But we have to cope. It's not easy to concentrate with everything that is happening around you, not easy to focus on a game without a crowd, but it's the same for everyone. You have to do it.

“The season has been tough in all aspects. But this team is mentally strong and we will still win trophies. That's the truth."

Tuesday's match will be played in Budapest, as travel to Germany is ­currently banned, but Firmino added: “We know from the last months with no fans, it doesn't matter so much which field you play on.

“It won't be easy because Leipzig have a good team, they are in this round ­because they deserve it. But I think we will be ready and it's a big motivation for us to do well in this competition.

“The key will be to play as Liverpool has always done, controlling the game and scoring the first goal. If they are allowed to take control we will have many problems.

“Our season is not going as we wanted, but this year ­everything can change for you in just 48 or 72 hours.

“You don't have to be ­frustrated or lose your temper – just focus on winning the next one and it can happen. That's what we will do."