Liverpool vs Real Madrid: Nine months after last season’s Champions League final, Liverpool and Real Madrid face each other again, now in the Round of 16 of the billion dollar ball. Jürgen Klopp admitted in the run-up to the first leg at Anfield that he had not seen the lost final battle of May last year until last weekend.
Liverpool went down against Real in last season’s final through a goal from Vinícius Júnior, while they themselves encountered the outstanding Thibaut Courtois time and time again. It was therefore no fun for Klopp to see the match again. “I watched the final in Paris this weekend and I realized why I hadn’t done it before. It was torture,” said the German manager during his press conference on Monday afternoon.
Klopp thought that Liverpool played a good game despite the defeat. “We could have won, but they scored the decisive goal. You saw how much experience they have, that they don’t lose their confidence and that they are there to grab their chance. That’s what you can learn from them,” said the Liverpool manager, who at the same time knows that the game says little about the current relationships. “They are two very different teams again,” he added.
The history between the sides
Liverpool have not yet won against Real in four confrontations under Klopp. In addition to last season’s final, the 2018 final was also lost. In addition, Los Blancos were too strong in the quarterfinals (3-1, 0-0) in the 2020/21 season. “I can’t wait,” Klopp said nonetheless. “It’s going to be tough in the Bernabéu, but who cares? This is the Champions League! This will be a top game and I’m glad we can play it now.”
After a difficult period, Liverpool has started the way up with victories over Everton ( 2-0 ) and Newcastle United (0-2). “Four weeks ago we were in a very different position, but life is all about timing,” said Klopp. “We will have to play two top games to continue, we have to be at our best to create chances. Not Real Madrid, they also have a chance if they are not at their best. That’s what makes them so special.”
Not only in terms of performance, the duel with Real comes at the right time for Liverpool, also in terms of staffing. Virgil van Dijk made his comeback against Newcastle United on Saturday as a basic player and Roberto Firmino and Diogo Jota can also be used again after injuries. Darwin Núñez was out at St James’ Park with a shoulder injury, but Klopp says there is a chance that the Uruguayan attacker can still play against Real.
“This is always a special game, no matter what happened in Paris. Our people are football fans. Real Madrid is in town, let’s celebrate in the best way possible. I can’t wait, let’s just enjoy it,” the German concluded.
Liverpool vs Real Madrid: Odds
Full time result: Liverpool @ 2.31 odds.
Both teams to score @ 1.67 odds.
