Liverpool vs Real Madrid Champions League: Liverpool will host Real Madrid at Anfield in the first leg of their Champions League Round of 16 tie on Tuesday, February 21, 2023. Both teams will be looking to take an advantage in the first leg to make their path to the quarter-finals. The two giants of European football have a long and storied history in the Champions League. Both teams having faced each other five times before, with Real Madrid having won three of those encounters.
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Liverpool will go into the match as the favorites, having won the Champions League in the 2021-22 season and currently leading the Premier League in 2022-23. The Reds have a formidable attack led by Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino, and a solid defense anchored by Virgil van Dijk. Liverpool’s home record in the Champions League is also impressive, having won their last five home matches in the competition.
On the other hand, Real Madrid have struggled in La Liga this season, currently sitting in fourth place, seven points behind leaders Barcelona. However, Real Madrid always seems to find their form in the Champions League, having won the competition a record 13 times. They have a world-class attack led by Karim Benzema and Vinicius Junior. Real Madrid’s defense that has been strengthened by the arrival of David Alaba. Real Madrid also have a good away record in the Champions League, having won their last four away matches.
Liverpool will be without their captain Jordan Henderson, who is sidelined with an injury. Real Madrid will be missing their star midfielder Luka Modric, who is suspended for the first leg. Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp will likely opt for a 4-3-3 formation. While Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti may choose a 4-2-3-1 formation.
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The match promises to be an exciting encounter between two of the biggest clubs in European football. Liverpool’s high-intensity pressing and attacking play against Real Madrid’s possession-based style of play will make for an intriguing tactical battle. The result of the first leg could be crucial in determining who progresses to the quarter-finals.
Overall, Liverpool will have the edge in the tie, especially with the first leg at Anfield. However, Real Madrid have the experience and quality to cause an upset. It should be an exciting match, with both teams looking to make a statement in the competition.
Liverpool vs Real Madrid Probable Playing XI
Liverpool: Alisson Becker; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Henderson, Fabinho, Bajcetic; Salah, Núñez, Gakpo
Real Madrid: Courtois; Carvajal, Éder Militão, Alaba, Camavinga; Modrić, Tchouameni, Kroos; Valverde, Benzema, VinÃcius Júnior
