Liverpool and Real Madrid might have played out the UEFA Champions League final last season but both teams find themselves in very different situations this time around. Carlo Ancelotti’s side have faced their struggles in recent weeks. They lost the Spanish Super Cup final to Barcelona and find themselves five points behind the Catalan giants in La Liga title race as well.
Things have been worse for Liverpool though. They are out of both cup competitions, which they won last season. The Reds also sit at 9th in the Premier League table. Thus, the Champions League might be their only ray of hope amidst what has been a campaign filled with dark clouds.
There is some good news for Liverpool, with less than three weeks to go for the first leg of their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 tie against Real Madrid. It looks like a number of their key players are closing in on fitness.
As reported by the Evening Standard, Jurgen Klopp told reporters ahead of their game vs Wolves:
"“Generally it’s looking better.“The boys are training, Diogo Jota had a full session with the team this week but then the next day had again a rehab session, not because of the session the day before, it was just part of the plan. I think he will be back in normal training next week.“Bobby [Firmino] is getting closer obviously, very good. Luis [Diaz] is running now, it will take a few weeks still but he is now out on the pitch as well running, which is really good.“Ibou [Konate] is out. Virgil [Van Dijk] is getting closer, but not ready for the [Wolves] game obviously. Parts of training, I think, next week as well for Virgil. I think there is nothing else so far, but there’s still two hours before training so a lot can happen.”"
Klopp confirms Liverpool boost ahead of Real Madrid tie
Thus, it looks like a number of Liverpool’s big stars are closing in on fitness after spending time out on the sidelines through injury.
It must be said that while Liverpool have struggled badly for form and consistency this season, they still have a number of top players, who can make a difference on their day.
So, while Real Madrid might be the favourites going into tie against Liverpool, it would be a mistake to count the Reds out.
Of course, Real Madrid have come out on top on the majority of occasions that they have come up against Liverpool in the Champions League in recent times. Their last defeat at the hands of the Merseyside club came back in the 2008/09 season.