Atletico have appealed against the ruling, allowing the match to take place in Madrid, but the situation has again brought to the fore the topic of racism in Spain.

Among the incidents Atletico have been punished for by UEFA were accusations of racism towards the Marseille players from Atletico fans.

Atletico have been fined previously for racism at the Vicente Calderon, while the news of last week's suspension came just a day after the Football Association said they did not want to play a planned friendly against Spain in Madrid next year due to incidents that marred their last visit.

During the Spain-England friendly at Real Madrid's Bernabeu stadium in 2004, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Ashley Cole, Rio Ferdinand, Jermain Defoe and Jermaine Jenas were all abused. The Spanish Football Federation eventually being fined US$75, 800 (£45,000).

However, Spain international goalkeeper Reina insisted there is not a problem with racism in his homeland.

"No not at all. There is no problem, and there has never been a problem," he said. "I can guarantee that Spain is not a racist country and Madrid is not a racist city."

With regards to tomorrow's match, Reina does not believe his side are favourites even though their current form is in stark contrast to stuttering opponents Atletico - domestically at least.

While Liverpool are on a 15-match unbeaten run and have lost just once in their last 24 competitive games, Atletico have been defeated in each their three most recent Primera Liga matches against Sevilla, Barcelona and Real Madrid.

It is a slightly different story in Europe though where both teams have 100% records after each winning their opening two Group D matches against PSV Eindhoven and Marseille.

"In these types of game there are no clear favourite," Reina said.

"If there is any team who must take the initiative, this must be Atletico, who are playing at home.

"It will be a big test for us because we are facing a great team. I think it will be a great game.

"We are both in a good situation and maybe if we win we will have almost done our first job and we can give more focus to the league."

Aside from Liverpool's superb unbeaten run, they have also shown themselves to be a side who never give up.

They have been forced to fight back from deficits on four occasions already this season, with the last two being the 3-2 victories over Manchester City and Wigan.

Reina said of his side's battling ability: "I think it shows the character of the team and the spirit of the team never to give up.

"It's a good sign but we have to improve so we don't have to keep coming from behind.

"I don't know how it was before but it shows that the mentality of the team is strong and that is very important."