Real Madrid vs Liverpool: Champions League match preview
A look ahead to Tuesday’s Champions League fixture at the Santiago Bernabeu
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.After a somewhat shaky start to their season, Real Madrid come into this game having successfully won their last ten games, an incredible run of form. After breezing past Liverpool two weeks ago, Madrid went on to air their dominance beating Barcelona 3-1 in El Clasico.
Ronaldo’s form does not seem to be diminishing either, the Portuguese international has now scored 22 goals in 15 games for Real Madrid, in all competitions.
The Spanish side could be forgiven for slowing down last time out, an assailable lead and El Clasico on the horizon to prepare for. However, with Ronaldo only two goals away from being the all-time top goal scorer in the Champions League, Real Madrid may well come out guns blazing.
Liverpool’s concerning form has continued, losing to in-form Newcastle at the weekend. Despite working hard, Mario Balotelli isn’t seeing much reward and looks like a player that doesn’t fit in with the philosophy.
A positive for Brendan Rodgers is how well Steven Gerrard played against Newcastle, executing marvellous cross field balls and showing he still has enough talent to cut it at the top.
It would be no surprise in this case to see Liverpool play a counter-attacking game. Sustain large periods of pressure but then get the ball out to Gerrard who can use the pace of Raheem Sterling to cause Real Madrid problems.
Should Liverpool lose, they would start to feel the pressure of qualification, whist Real Madrid would ensure passage through to the next round.
KICK-OFF: Tuesday, 7.45pm
PAST THREE MEETINGS…
Liverpool 0 Real Madrid 3 (Ronaldo, Benzema 2), Champions League, October 2014
Liverpool 4 (Torres, Gerrard 2, Dossena) Real Madrid 0, Champions League, March 2009
Real Madrid 0 Liverpool 1 (Benayoun), Champions League, February 2009
STATS…
Real Madrid’s win over Liverpool last month was their first in a competitive meeting.
Real Madrid have won their last five Champions League games, scoring 19 goals along the way.
Ronaldo has scored 17 goals in nine league games, four more than Liverpool’s total as a team over ten games.
If Real Madrid win they are at least guaranteed second place in the group.
Ronaldo only needs one goal to equal Raul as the all-time top Champions League goal scorer.
ODDS…
Real Madrid to win: 1.22
Liverpool to win: 13.0
Draw: 6.0
CLASSIC MOMENT/MATCH
In 2009, the pair met in the last 16 of the Champions League with Liverpool snatching a 1-0 away win in the first leg. Real Madrid came to Anfield already knowing they need an away goal to even things out. However, Liverpool and Torres delivered an incredible performance to win the tie 4-0, 5-0 on aggregate. Torres scored once, Gerrard twice and Doessena grabbing the last.
TV: Live on ITV at 7.45pm, highlights on ITV1 at 10.40pm.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments