Last season’s Champions League finalists, Liverpool and Real Madrid will face in the round 16 of this season’s Champions League. Liverpool will host defending Champions Real Madrid in the first Leg at Anfield.
Real Madrid has come on top in their last five meetings with Liverpool, including their triumph over Liverpool in the 2018 and 2022 Champions League finals. Real Madrid are second in La Liga, 8 points behind Barcelona, but the Los Blancos have already won the FIFA Club World Cup and UEFA Super Cup this season.
Liverpool has struggled this season in the Premier League and are currently 8th in the Premier League. Liverpool is nearing their best after back-to-back victories in the Premier League against Everton and Newcastle United.
Ex-Liverpool star Robbie Keane has backed Liverpool to eliminate defending Champions Real Madrid in the round 16.
What did Robbie Keane say?
He said on Betway: “They are not in great form in the Premier League, but I really believe Liverpool has an opportunity to go and win the Champions League.
“Can they do it while underperforming domestically? Absolutely. The way they play certainly suits the Champions League, and they have shown their quality in Europe over the past few years.
“Looking at them and Chelsea, neither of them have suddenly become bad teams. Liverpool were runners-up last season, and Chelsea won the competition the year before.
“Sometimes, when you’re not doing so well in the league, a different competition is good for a team. It gives them a welcome change and can give a team a different mindset. That could be the case this year.
“Of course, Real Madrid are a difficult hurdle to get past for Liverpool. They have won five of the last nine Champions Leagues, while Carlo Ancelotti has won four as a manager. They have experience and know-how in abundance.
“But the Reds can still make a success of this season.”
Meanwhile, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has revealed that he is happy to play Real Madrid at this time.
He said at a press conference: “With the recent history, it will be a top football game, and I’m really happy we can play now.
“Four weeks ago, it would have been different – but life is all about timing, and maybe we found our feet at the right time.
“We need to play a super game – two super games. I have no problem with that. If you don’t play your best, you don’t have a chance. Real Madrid don’t have to play their best and still have a chance. That’s the difference.”
