Liverpool will be looking to overturn a 5-2 deficit from the first-leg defeat to Real Madrid as they lock horns with the Spanish giants on Wednesday night.
A trip to the Santiago Bernabeu for Jurgen Klopp’s men comes on the back of a shock 1-0 defeat to Premier League’s bottom side Bournemouth which delivered a major setback to Liverpool’s hopes of a top-four finish in the league this season.
Klopp’s side were at their brilliant best in the 7-0 drubbing of their arch-rivals Manchester United but just a week later, the Reds were unable to replicate a shadow of that showing in the loss at the hands of Bournemouth who scored early on in the first half to secure the three points.
Talisman Mohamed Salah missed from 12 yards out after Liverpool were given a spot kick – a first for the Reds in top flight action since April 2022 and more importantly a chance to level the contest, but the Egyptian sent his effort sailing wide of the goal.
A Champions League comeback in midweek, which has happened before under Klopp’s charge during that unforgettable night at Anfield against Barcelona, would be dear to the Liverpool faithful but the home side Real, who came from 2-0 down to clinch a 5-2 win on their travels to the Merseyside, are unlikely to make things easy for the visitors Liverpool.
WHEN & WHERE?
Date: Wednesday 15 March 2023
Time: 8 PM GMT
Venue: Santiago Bernebeu
TEAM NEWS
Centre-back Joe Gomez has recovered from the muscle issue he picked up in the first leg and the England defender is expected to make the squad for the upcoming game.
Doubts remain over the availability of skipper Jordan Henderson who has an illness and the season’s breakout name, Stefan Bajcetic, with the latter nursing an adductor injury.
On-loan midfielder Arthur Melo was not named in Liverpool’s squad for the Champions League knockout stages and the Brazilian will be sitting out Wednesday night’s contest.
Naby Keita is a slight doubt due to a knock which adds to the midfield woes for Klopp who is already without the services of a first-choice option in Thiago Alcantara.
KEY BATTLE
Vinicius Jr vs Darwin Nunez
Vinicius was the catalyst to Real’s incredible comeback against Liverpool in the first leg clash at Anfield as the Brazilian weaved his magic on the left side of the pitch.
Going up against Trent Alexander-Arnold once again, the Real wide player will look to get the better of the Liverpool full back who was caught out defensively last time out.
The visitors, meanwhile, will hope that Darwin Nunez delivers in the attacking third of the pitch and plays the perfect partner to Mo Salah and either of Cody Gakpo or Diogo Jota to help Liverpool overturn a sizable goal difference.
MATCH PREDICTION
Real are the strong favourites for the midweek tie on their home turf against a Liverpool side that has failed to convince on the road this season.
Real Madrid 2-0 Liverpool
