If a spanner in the works is not thrown in at the last minute, a returning Karim Benzema will be in the starting line-up on Tuesday evening when Real Madrid take on Liverpool. The 35-year-old striker is fit in time for the Round of 16 of the Champions League.
“It looks good, tomorrow he will play,” said coach Carlo Ancelotti during his press conference at Anfield on Monday evening. “Karim is looking forward to it. The memory of previous successes is still very fresh.” The coach had to miss Benzema against Osasuna on Saturday. The striker was then not fit.
The memory Ancelotti was talking about was last season’s final in Saint-Denis. Real then defeated Liverpool 1-0. Manager Jürgen Klopp called that match “a torture” on Monday. “I can’t deny that, because it was a match that was very even,” Ancelotti agreed. “This will be different, because it is about two games. We have to be on top for 180 minutes.”
Ancelotti was not worried about Vinícius Júnior, who has been a victim of racism in Spain in recent weeks. “He plays football everywhere and especially likes to do it when the interests are as great as tomorrow. It’s fun to watch him play, even for the game enthusiast. Players like Pedri, Gave, Mbappé and Haaland, it’s a pleasure to see them at work.”
Ancelotti speaks about racism in Spain
Real’s trainer knows what needs to change to combat racism. “It’s a very serious problem. There is no law that can change someone’s mindset. This is about culture and common sense. I’m not just looking at Spain either, because this happens in all countries. Spain is fantastic, I’m happy to live here. But some need to show more respect for other people,” said Ancelotti.
Luka Modric also joined. He is one of the midfielders who is available. Toni Kroos and Aurélien Tchouaméni are absent. The Croat expected a hot battle, “This will be a very tough game against a good opponent. Anfield is a historic ground, the people there are very compassionate. We have to put on a great game to win or at least get a good result towards the return. We’ve played here before and it was good. Let’s do that again.”
