Liverpool star sends strong message before facing Real Madrid

Real Madrid got back to winning ways with their 3-1 win over Espanyol, thanks to goals from Vinicius Junior, Eder Militao and Marco Asensio. The result brought an end to a three-game winless run for Carlo Ancelotti’s side, and will serve them well heading into the second leg of their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 tie against Liverpool.

Liverpool, of course, had a very different weekend. Their recent 7-0 win over Manchester United must have given them hope of a turnaround. But they followed that result up with a 1-0 defeat against Bournemouth.

Thus, you never know which version of Liverpool will show up at the Santiago Bernabeu. Real Madrid must be prepared for the best though. Jurgen Klopp’s side have nothing to lose coming into the second leg, having lost 5-2 at Anfield in the reverse fixture.

Thus, it looks like Liverpool could be ready to throw the kitchen sink at it, when they come visiting. As reported by the club’s official website, Trent Alexander-Arnold said ahead of their match against Real Madrid:

"“I think there’s only one more game before the internationals and it’s a huge one for us, it’s one that we need to go and do something special, so all our focus is solely on that Real Madrid game now and it means that we can put everything into that game knowing that we’ve got days afterwards to recover. So, it’s about throwing the kitchen sink at it and going all out and I think that’s what we’re going to do – it’s important to do that.”"

Liverpool star sends strong message before facing Real Madrid

Real Madrid are the heavy favourites to go through into the last 8, as they hold a 5-2 aggregate advantage ahead of the second leg. They cannot make the mistake of thinking that this tie is done and dusted though.

Even last season, they had a comfortable lead over Chelsea, but ended up being on the verge of being knocked in the second leg at Santiago Bernabeu. A moment of magic from Luka Modric and a slice of luck saved Ancelotti’s side on that night.

On the other hand, Liverpool are no strangers to turning ties around. Everybody will remember their 4-0 win over Barcelona in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-finals some years back. Thus, this tie is not over yet, and Real Madrid must bring their A-game to the Santiago Bernabeu.