Real Madrid welcome Liverpool in a clash of European Elites

As the Bernabeau receives its upgrade, Zinedine Zidane will host Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool at the tiny Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano on Tuesday. This venue is hardly fitting for a clash of this magnitude for teams who have won the competition 19 times combined with Los Merengues holding a record 13 titles.

Bad blood exists between these teams due to the strong rivalry and tradition they share in the Champions League; but, most notably,The Mighty Reds felt hard-done-by due to the on-field activities of Sergio Ramos, resulting in Liverpool forward Mohammed Salah having to leave the field with a broken collar bone and injuries to Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius. Ramos claimed his actions were not intentional and apologized. But, Liverpool fans have been seething ever since.

Historically, Real Madrid and Liverpool have met once in the Champions League knockout rounds (2008-2009). Liverpool emerged, 5-0 winners on aggregate. Real Madrid have since dominated the tie with three victories in the last three games played.

This match is interestingly poised. Both teams struggled earlier in the seasons, losing key players for lengthy periods, but they have begun to demonstrate resurgence. Real are on an 11 match unbeaten run, while Liverpool have kept three consecutive clean sheets. Real only have one clean sheet in their last six games.

Madrid will be without Dani Carvajal, Eden Hazard and Sergio Ramos due to injury. Frederico Valverde is also doubtful due to injury. Liverpool have Joe Gomez, Jordan Henderson, Caoimhin Kelleher, Joel Matip, Divock Origi and Virgil Van Dijk all out due to injury.

The return to fitness of Karim Benzema has been a massive boost to Real. He is a special player who can change the game in a moment with clinical finishing. The forwards will get quality service from world-class midfielders Toni Kroos and Luka Modric. Madrid will play their possession game out from the back, a system vulnerable to Liverpool’s press. Liverpool have not been playing such a high defensive line recently. If they do play a high line against Madrid, Vinicius Junior and Asensio have the pace to exploit space in behind the defence.

Liverpool’s turn around has been a product of Fabinho’s return to midfield, providing a proper defensive shield. Diogo Jota’s return to fitness has also given Liverpool’s attack the cutting edge it lacked during his time on the sidelines. Regular starters Carvajal’s and Ramos’ absence has increased the leakiness of the Madrid defence. Their absence provides the Reds with a significant opportunity to score some away goals. There is the added incentive of Liverpool’s poor home form. The Reds lack confidence at home, so getting away goals could be a notable factor in their progression. Madrid must stop Liverpool’s fullbacks from getting up the pitch and playing in the forwards.

These two European giants are slowly awakening from their slumber. Despite the sidelining of the main antagonist, Romas, more than competition progression is on the line. Expect dramatics and ill tempers linked to events surrounding the 2018 Final. A 2-2 draw is the expected outcome in this game.