Liverpool vs Real Madrid - Champions League team news and prediction
Liverpool need to stage yet another miraculous comeback if they are to overcome Real Madrid at Anfield tonight. However, the absence of the passionate Reds support will surely hinder Liverpool's quest to overhaul the two-goal deficit on home turf.
Ahead of this Champions League meeting, we provide all the pre-match information, including what time the game kicks off, where to watch the clash, team news and probable XIs.
When is kick off?
Wednesday 14th April, 20:00 GMT
Where is the match?
Anfield, Liverpool (England)
What channel is it on?
BT Sport 2
Liverpool have used the Champions League as a welcome distraction from their sub-par Premier League form and prior to the first leg meeting with Real Madrid, had performed admirably in the competition. However, they fell apart at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano, as a Vinicius Junior inspired Los Blancos tore the Reds apart.
The Brazilian has scored just four Champions League goals in his career, two of which came in the first leg 3-1 win. Indeed, Vinicius scored his and Real Madrid's first midway through the first half before Marco Asensio doubled the Spanish side's advantage 10 minutes before the break. Mohamed Salah gave the Reds hope of a comeback shortly after the restart, but Vinicius put the first leg to bed with 25 minutes remaining. Salah's away goal will lift spirits as Liverpool look to spark another famous Champions League comeback.
Team News
Liverpool are once again without injured quartet Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez, Jordan Henderson and Joel Matip. Divock Origi and Caoimhin Kelleher are again doubts, though would not have started regardless, while Curtis Jones is carrying a minor knock and is expected to be available for Jurgen Klopp. The Liverpool boss may make one change to the starting XI from the first leg, with Thiago coming in for Naby Keita. Klopp also has a decision to make on his attack with Roberto Firmino and Diogo Jota battling to lead the charge.
Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane will have been buoyed by his side's defence in the absence of Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane, with Nacho and Eder Militao impressing, but he must now make do without Lucas Vazquez. Considering Dani Carvajal is also ruled out, Alvaro Odriozola will make his first Champions League appearance of the season. Eden Hazard hasn't travelled with the squad as he builds up his fitness following yet another spell on the sidelines.
Probable XIs
Liverpool (433) - Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Phillips, Kabak, Robertson; Thiago, Fabinho, Wijnaldum; Salah, Jota, Mane
Real Madrid (433) - Courtois; Odriozola, Militao, Nacho, Mendy; Modric, Casemiro, Kroos; Asensio, Benzema, Vinicius
Key Battle: Alisson vs Thibaut Courtois
Alisson hasn't been at his very best for Liverpool this season, though the exceptionally high standards he has set since his arrival from Roma means any minor dip in performance would be blown out of proportion. Nevertheless, the Brazilian's best showings have come in the Champions League this season, a competition in which he has kept four clean sheets in six outings.
Conversely, Thibaut Courtois has managed just three clean sheets in the Champions in 2020/21 and shipped 11 goals in that time. The absence of Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane didn't prove costly last week, but Liverpool are capable of tearing a team apart on their day and the Belgian needs to keep his wits about him in order to prevent the Reds from coming back into the tie.
Score Prediction: Liverpool 1-2 Real Madrid
