Real Madrid vs Liverpool has become one of the premier games in the UEFA Champions League in recent years, as both teams have faced each other in two finals, in 2018 and last season. On both occasions, Los Blancos came out on top. The two had faced off in the quarter-finals of the 2020/21 campaign as well, another time that the Spanish giants were the winners.
Thus, it would be safe to say that Real Madrid have had Liverpool’s number in recent years and it will be interesting to see what kind of changes Jurgen Klopp makes, now that the two sides have been drawn to meet in the last 16 of the Champions League.
The recent history should give confidence to Carlo Ancelotti’s men, but at the same time, Jurgen Klopp appears to be looking forward to the meeting as well. Once again, the Reds might view this tie as a chance for redemption.
While speaking on Liverpool’s official website, Klopp said about facing Real Madrid in the last 16:
"“The first thing that we can say about this draw is it is proper Champions League. This is a tie that speaks for itself and one that we should all be excited about.“I know we have played Real Madrid in a couple of recent finals but it is not so often that our two clubs have met in a two-legged tie so now we can look forward to this happening.“Real’s European record is the best around. We know this. But we also know that ours is not too bad. On top of this, we know that we have Anfield and everyone knows what this means.“It is a really good draw. A really exciting draw. The games themselves are still a few months away but it does not take a great deal of imagination to think what the atmosphere will be like at both games.“There is a lot of football to be played before this, of course, so we will focus on each game as it comes but yes, this draw has given us something special to look forward to.”"
Liverpool manager Klopp reacts to facing Real Madrid
Real Madrid must be considered as the favourites at this point of time. They have lost just one game this season till now, against RB Leipzig away in Germany, and are the favourites to retain La Liga.
On the other hand, Liverpool have found the going tough this season, and currently sit at 8th in the Premier League table, struggling to string together any sort of form or momentum.
Real Madrid cannot make the mistake of taking Liverpool lightly though. They are still a very talented team with a lot of great players. On top of that, the World Cup break in the middle of the season could end up playing the big equaliser as well, and when club football returns, it will be almost like a fresh start to the campaign.