Darwin Nunez had a special message written on his boots as he scored two in Europa League demotion

In a dazzling Europa League showdown that saw Liverpool's attacking prowess almost fully unleashed, it was Darwin Nunez who stole the headlines—not just for his scintillating brace against Sparta Prague but for the tender homage inked on his boots.

In a gesture that's both personal and powerful, Nunez carried the name 'Lorena', his wife, on his boots as he carried Liverpool into the second leg of the Round of 16 with a more-than-healthy advantage.

Fans know it; love fuels passion.

And Nunez's display was a testament to that adage.

The connection between heart and feet was evident as he propelled Liverpool to a commanding 5-1 victory in the Round of 16's first leg, a step closer to European glory. It's the stuff of Liverpool lore, where magic on the field intertwines with the narratives off it.

On a night where each goal felt like a beat in the heart of The Kop, Nunez's tribute adds a layer of intimacy to the triumph. Here is a player who not only plays for the badge on his chest but does everything he does with passion.

While the world outside of Liverpool Football Club has found it necessary to constantly criticise Nunez, the Uruguayan has pretty much ignored all of it.

This season, he has 16 goals and 11 assists, including seven total goal contributions in his last seven games. He's a man on form and that's just what Liverpool need heading into the Manchester City showdown at Anfield on Sunday.

It's a game that will hold a lot of sway in deciding who eventually lifts the 2023/24 Premier League table.

With Mohamed Salah back and both Nunez and Luis Diaz in form, Klopp will be hoping he can unleash the front three on Pep Guardiola's side.