Real Madrid vs Liverpool Preview
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Liverpool will be looking to make more history in the Champions League this Wednesday night when the club meets with Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu having to overturn a three-goal deficit in Spain.
This fixture comes almost four years on from when Liverpool managed to overturn a three-goal lead by Spanish opposition, as the Reds defeated Barcelona 4-0 at Anfield after losing 3-0 at the Camp Nou. Many things have changed since then, and Jurgen Klopp’s men are sitting sixth in the Premier League these days.
Klopp’s side looked to have found part of their former self when they smashed Manchester United 7-0 at Anfield almost two weeks ago. However, Bournemouth beat them 1-0 at the Vitality Stadium just last weekend, as Mohamed Salah missed a penalty in that game too.
It means only two wins since the 5-2 defeat to Real on Merseyside, as they also managed to beat Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-0 at the start of March where Virgil van Dijk and Salah scored a goal each.
Salah also scored against Real in the first leg, as Darwin Nunez netted after four minutes that day too. Liverpool's two-goal lead came after 14 minutes, but by the 47th minute, they were 3-2 down after a brace from Vinicius Junior brought the game level at half time before Eder Militao scored in the 47th minute. A Karim Benzema double later on in the game handed Real a 5-2 lead.
The La Liga giants have never forfeited a three-goal lead in the Champions League and it’s tough to see how Liverpool win here, despite their sensational record-breaking victory over United two weeks ago.
Form has also been very poor for the European champions ever since their excellent win in England, as the club drew 1-1 in a Madrid derby with Atletico Madrid before losing at home for the first time in 10 games against Barcelona in the Copa del Rey 1-0.
A draw with Real Betis came soon after, but they returned to winning ways with a 3-1 win over Espanyol, as Vinicius and Militao scored again, just as Marco Asensio netted late on in the game.
Real Madrid team news
Toni Kroos started on the bench against Liverpool in the first leg, but he likely begins the game in midfield with such a comfortable lead.
David Alaba came off with a thigh issue in the first leg and likely misses out here, but Carlo Ancelotti will welcome back left-back Ferland Mendy. Benzema also missed the match against Espanyol as a precaution but should come into the side here. Eduardo Camavinga played at left-back in the last game because of injuries, but he could come into midfield alongside Luka Modric.
Liverpool team news
Liverpool are heading into this one without Luis Diaz and Thiago still, as Calvin Ramsey remains out for the season. Arthur returned on the weekend after a lengthy spell on the sidelines, but he is not expected to play here. Naby Keita is also out, and Joe Gomez won't be fit in time. Diogo Jota could start this one after looking bright off the bench against Bournemouth.
