Real Madrid: Expectations for each player in the second leg at Liverpool

LM Marcelo

We should see Marcelo in the XI against Liverpool after he was left out of the starting lineup in the first leg, since Zinedine Zidane went with a back four. That proved to be the right decision then, but with no right back available other than the weak link Alvaro Odriozola, a back three seems more likely for Zidane in the second leg.

As such, Marcelo could play an attacking role in front of Mendy. He was brilliant in this role against Getafe in February and competent vs. Eibar. If he does start, Marcelo will want to grab an assist that helps put the tie to bed for Real Madrid.

RM Rodrygo Goes

I could see Zinedine Zidane giving Rodrygo Goes on the opposite side instead of Alvaro Odriozola. Marvin Park actually played this role well against Getafe, but Zidane would not trust him in such a big game. And although Odriozola is a more defensive player on paper, Rodrygo’s technical quality, composure, and overall tactical awareness make him more trustworthy than Odri.

If Rodrygo starts in this wing-back-ish role in a 3-5-2 formation, hard work, awareness, and progressive dribbling and passing will be prioritized. And the Brazilian, though he can be a thrilling attacker on the wings, can bring these qualities to the table. He is very versatile.