Real Madrid have not been in the greatest of forms in recent times. Carlo Ancelotti’s side lost the Spanish Super Cup final vs Barcelona in pretty convincing fashion and have also fallen 11 points behind Xavi’s team in the La Liga title race, albeit having played a game less as they were away at the Club World Cup, a competition that Los Blancos were successful in winning.
Real Madrid’s opponents in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16, Liverpool, find themselves in much worse form though. Jurgen Klopp’s side were expected to put up a title challenge but instead, they find themselves sitting at 10th in the Premier League table.
Liverpool have won only one game since the turn of the year. Thus, it is safe to say that Real Madrid will have to be considered as heavy favourites going into the Round of 16 tie between the two sides.
And it looks like Klopp’s side will be without a key player as well. As reported by The Telegraph, Liverpool fear that Thiago Alcantara could be out for four weeks after picking up a hip injury this week.
Key Liverpool star set to miss Champions League first leg vs Real Madrid
If Thiago ends up missing four weeks of action, then he will be out of the first leg of the Round of 16 tie between Real Madrid and Liverpool, set to be played at Anfield. And getting fit for the second leg could also be a race against time.
Thiago is a very important part of this Liverpool side. Thus, his injury is a major blow for them for sure, especially when they are going through such a bad run of form.
Real Madrid have come out on top when the two sides have met in recent years in Europe. And this time around, they are favourites to go through as well, although Los Blancos cannot make the mistake of taking Klopp’s side lightly. They still have quality players and are capable of springing up a surprise on their day.