Real Madrid vs. Liverpool Combined XI: Who makes the cut?

The second the draw was made for the 2020/2021 UEFA Champions League quarterfinals, we were immediately taken back to May 2018 when Real Madrid were victorious in Kyiv as their 3-1 win over Liverpool meant they were crowned European Champions. We may be in a different stage of the competition and in a different year, but Liverpool will want to seek revenge in early April as they will want to be the team that comes out on top.

There is no real way of knowing who will win a game of this magnitude as both teams have players who are genuinely game changers and have fought for their right to be on this stage. Real Madrid are strong in some areas but what’s interesting about both squads (at least on paper) is that both teams are generally strong in areas where the other is lacking.

Therefore, neither team is complete on its own but if you try to combine them both and come up with a combined starting eleven, you really do have a team that is a force to be reckoned with. With all current players fit, what would be the strongest starting eleven if you combined the players from both teams?

Goalkeeper

Both teams are strong in their own right when it comes to the man between the sticks but for this one, I think it’s safe to say that Los Blancos will have their man in goal. Thibaut Courtois has been sensational and has single-handedly won points for the team on various occasions.

The opponent doesn’t matter, the Belgian always shows up. Alisson Becker has been one of the greatest goalkeepers around but this season, he has struggled. It could be compared to Courtois’ first season at Real Madrid. However, this shouldn’t take away from Alisson’s strengths and he would be expected to be at his extreme best when the two teams meet.

Final Verdict: Thibaut Courtois