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Liverpool v Real Madrid – Match Preview

European nights at Anfield are back. The famous Champions League anthem alongside You’ll Never Walk Alone will be heard again. Liverpool reenter the competition tomorrow night when they take on an in-form Real Madrid at home in the first leg of the Round of 16.

Overview

Liverpool sailed into the Round of 16 as runners-up to S.S.C. Napoli, while Real Madrid were the group winners, having overcome the likes of RB Leipzig, FC Shakhtar Donetsk and Celtic FC.

Liverpool will be hoping to get revenge for last year’s defeat to Real Madrid in the Champions League final at the Stade de France. At that time, the result was secondary as the spectacle was outshone by harrowing scenes of Reds supporters outside the stadium.

Real Madrid and Liverpool are having a disappointing domestic campaign. The visitors sit second with eight points behind Barcelona while the hosts occupy the eighth spot.

During the pre-match press conference, the on-field proceedings were overshadowed by off-field events. Vinicius Junior hasn’t had the easiest life in La Liga recently as he’s suffered persistent racial abuse by rival fans. Let’s face it, racism is a huge issue in La Liga. It is unbelievable that we still must fight it.

Head to Head

The history between these two powerhouses in the European competition is long and brought as many tears of joy as of sadness. Both teams met in 1981 for the first time. At that time, the famous Bob Paisley was at the helm of Liverpool and started the rivarly successfully with a 1-0 victory over Los Blancos in the European Cup final. It was Alan Kennedy who sealed the 1-0 victory with the clock reading 81’. To outline the distance of that time – the Royal Wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer took place two months later.

Liverpool have played Real Madrid on eight different occasions in the UEFA Champions League and do not boast the best record with the Spanish outfit. Winning just two, losing five and drawing one.

Team News

Liverpool’s treatment room has been emptier lately, however there will still be players unavailable for this clash. Luis Diaz (knee), Thiago Alcantara (hip), Ibrahima Konate (hamstring) and Calvin Ramsay will all be out of contention. The latter has been unlucky with injuries since joining the Merseysiders, we won’t see him again this season as he’s undergone surgery to his knee.

Arthur and Darwin Nunez remain doubts. Jürgen Klopp did not rule the Uruguayan’s involvement out as he has confirmed “there’s a chance” Darwin Nunez can still be involved against the Spanish giants. Should he not recover fully from his shoulder injury, he can be replaced by either Diogo Jota or Roberto Firmino.

Karim Benzema was rested on Saturday’s 2-0 away win against Osasuna in LaLiga. Benzema has scored 11 goals and registered three assists – If you thought Jamie Vardy was the fox in the box, just look at the Frenchman. That being said, Benzema, Luka Modric, Vinicius Jr., David Alaba, Eduardo Camavinga, Federico Valverde and Rodrygo all made the trip to England.

Carlo Ancelotti has four players unavailable for team selection. Mariano Diaz, Toni Kroos, Ferland Mendy and Aurelien Tchouameni will be out.

Summary

Anfield will be up for it tonight as always on these European nights. I feel that the home advantage alongside the 12th man will play a big part.

Liverpool’s form revival came at a right time, but it can be not enough to break Real Madrid. I believe we can get a positive outcome in the match if we stay disciplined defensively.

Follow Karolina on Instagram: @96karolinakurek

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