Rafa Benitez might have come through the youth ranks at Real Madrid, and even coached the club at both Castilla and the senior level over the course of his career, but he did find his greatest success as a manager during his time at Liverpool. The Spaniard guided the Reds to the UEFA Champions League title in that famous final in Istanbul.
Thus, it will be interesting for him to see two of his former sides take on each other in the Champions League Round of 16, as they aim to reach the final in Istanbul this time around.
Neither side has been on top form this season but have several world-class players, who can make the difference on their day. And Benitez has warned Liverpool about the quality of Karim Benzema and Vinicius Junior.
As reported by Metro, Benitez said while talking on Sky Sports:
"‘If they do what they did tonight against [Karim] Benzema, against Vinicius, Madrid will score.‘Benzema is clever, his movement in between the lines is quite complicated and the Vinicius also is a threat. When they can pass and avoid the press and play in behind they are very dangerous.’"
Benitez warns Liverpool about two Real Madrid stars
Of course, there is not a lot left to be said about the quality of Benzema and Vinicius. Both of them are key for Real Madrid.
Benzema is the Ballon d’Or holder. And he enjoyed the best season of his career last time around, guiding Real Madrid to a Champions League and La Liga double. He has had his injury problems in this campaign, and is in fact a doubt ahead of the trip to Anfield. But when he is on the pitch, he is still delivering the goods.
On the other hand, Liverpool will know Vinicius very well. The Brazilian winger scored the Champions League winner against them last season. And while he did have a rough patch of form in this campaign, he seems to be back to his best right now and could make a difference at Anfield.
Of course, Real Madrid have several other players in their squad, who can make their presence felt against a Liverpool side that has struggled this season.