Klopp on real task: ‘If there’s only 1 per cent chance I’d like to try’
Liverpool face a gigantic task to keep their Champions League hopes alive when they face Real Madrid in tonight’s round of 16 second leg. The Reds have a tough battle ahead of them and need to make up for a three-goal deficit after losing the first leg 5-2 at Anfield.
A heroic return to Europe – reminiscent of their famous victory over Barcelona in 2019 – is required if Liverpool are to reach the quarter-final stage, but their form has been horribly erratic this season, making this match difficult to predict.
Jürgen Klopp’s men have the firepower to cause trouble for Madrid, who recently beat Premier League rivals Manchester United 7-0, but have been pathetic on defense at times – a win against United followed by a defeat at bottom Bournemouth.
Meanwhile, Real won the LaLiga weekend but remain behind Barcelona, who appear poised to win the domestic title, leaving Carlo Ancelotti’s side to focus on retaining the European crown. Vinicius Junior and Karim Benzema tore Liverpool’s defense apart at Anfield and will be looking to put a marker that says Madrid are beatable again in Europe’s top competition.
Follow the action as Liverpool chase European glory as they take on Real Madrid:
Real Madrid vs Liverpool
Almost time to dig. This round of 16 rematches will kick off in just over an hour.
Michael JonesMarch 15, 2023 18:55
Real Madrid will go on the attack against Liverpool, insists Carlo Ancelotti
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti is making no assumptions about what lies ahead for Liverpool despite Jürgen Klopp’s side facing a seemingly impossible task at the Bernabeu.
The Champions League winners rebounded from their first two goals at Anfield to win 5-2 and this three-goal reserve – coupled with the fact that they have failed to score just once in their last 66 European home games – seems to put them in first place. one step away from the quarterfinals.
But Ancelotti, who as AC Milan manager was famous for Liverpool’s remarkable 45-minute comeback and won the 2005 final, takes nothing for granted and can also point to last season’s quarter-final second leg at home to Chelsea – which they lost 3-2, but advanced thanks to a 3-1 victory at Stamford Bridge.
Michael JonesMarch 15, 2023 18:51
Liverpool changes
Injuries have forced Jurgen Klopp to change his squad. Ibrahim Konate replaces Joel Matip at the rear with James Milner moving in midfield.
Diogo Jota is likely to start the game from the top as Liverpool start the match with all four of their strongest attacking options.
Injuries to Jordan Henderson and Stefan Bajcetic mean they will miss the game.
Michael JonesMarch 15, 2023 18:47
Liverpool starting lineup
Liverpool XI: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson, Fabinho, Milner, Gakpo, Salah, Jota, Nunez
Michael JonesMarch 15, 2023 18:44
Carlo Ancelotti’s pre-match thoughts
“The message for the team is simple: we have to try to do our best, just like in the first leg. We will not calculate anything, we have to be in the game from the first minute.
“We have to approach the game with maximum intensity and enthusiasm and try to win it. We will not rest on the advantage we have. It will be an open game, we want to attack and play our best attacking football.
Michael JonesMarch 15, 2023 18:43
Liverpool ready to take ‘one per cent’ chance against Real Madrid, says Jürgen Klopp
They arrived in the Spanish capital after losing 5-2 from the first leg and although Klopp improved his rating from three weeks ago when he said Madrid was over, the odds didn’t change much in their favour.
Liverpool have no history on their side either, as they have only come back from a three-goal deficit in their first European match once – a famous 4-0 win in the Champions League semi-final over Barcelona in 2019.
No team in the history of the competition has ever lost a knockout match by three goals at home and not recovered, with only four coming back from a three-goal deficit in the first leg.
Michael JonesMarch 15, 2023 18:39
Jürgen Klopp’s pre-match thoughts
“I said three weeks ago after the game that Madrid was finished; now we know what to play. Even if there is only a 1% chance, we must try.
“We have nothing to lose, and that’s better than losing everything. Of course, I would prefer Carl’s situation, defending a three-goal lead.
(EPA)
Michael JonesMarch 15, 2023 18:34
Changes in the squad of Real Madrid
Carlo Ancelotti made two substitutions for the Real Madrid side who dominated the game at Anfield.
David Alaba and Rodrygo were eliminated and replaced by Nacho and Toni Kroos.
Michael JonesMarch 15, 2023 18:29
Real Madrid starting XI
Real Madrid XI: Courtois, Carvajal, Militao, Rudiger, Nacho, Kroos, Modric, Camavinga, Valverde, Benzema, Vinicius Jr.
Michael JonesMarch 15, 2023 18:24
Forecast Real Madrid – Liverpool
There will be no fairytale comeback for Liverpool this time around, with the reigning champions advancing to the final eight with a comfortable victory.
Real Madrid 2-1 Liverpool (7-3 in extra time).
Michael JonesMarch 15, 2023 18:20
