The Reds mounted a remarkable comeback to knock the Catalan club out of Europe at the semi-final stage earlier this week, a game Rangers boss Gerrard attended.

Speaking in the wake of the historic night an Anfield, Gerrard admitted he left early because he did not want to face the possibility of seeing Barca pulling a goal back and swinging the tie back in their favour.

"I just think it confirmed to everyone how big the Champions League competition is," he said, according to the Metro.

"It's a mega competition having experienced it as a player. It's the ultimate and I think the last two games over the last 48 hours have confirmed that.

"The nerves on Tuesday night at Anfield for myself personally were difficult to control. I had to leave at 4-0 even though I had my seven-year-old daughter.

"I used that as an excuse, but it was more the nerves, so God help the players with what they were going through.

"I just don't think I'd have been able to cope with seeing (Luis) Suarez, (Philippe) Coutinho or (Lionel) Messi break my heart.

"My seven-year-old had school the next day… beat the traffic and get out of there before it goes wrong. Just remember the good stuff."

Gerrard himself was part one of the greatest comebacks in Champions League history, when he captained Liverpool in the 2005 final to a penalty shootout victory over AC Milan in Istanbul.

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