15 March 2023 , 07:00
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Liverpool have their work cut out on Wednesday evening if they want to reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League against Real Madrid.
The Reds travel to the Santiago Bernabeu in midweek aiming to overcome a three-goal deficit from the first-leg. Jurgen Klopp’s men had initially raced into a two-goal lead during the first-leg on Merseyside but ended up losing 5-2 with Vinicius Jr and Karim Benzema both scoring braces.
Since that reverse, the Reds have put together a hugely inconsistent run of results. They at first stumbled to a 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace before overcoming Wolves 2-0.
They then racked up one of the most memorable results in their history by thumping fierce rivals Manchester United 7-0. Despite initially looking as though they’d managed to turn a corner, they then fell to a 1-0 defeat to relegation contenders Bournemouth.
Elsewhere, Real Madrid only have one win in their last four matches in all competitions since their dominant victory at Anfield - that coming in their most recent outing in the form of a 3-1 success against Espanyol. Away from that, the Reds have a few injury worries to contend with should they want to progress.
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Thiago Alcantara, Luis Diaz and Joe Gomez are all ruled out ahead of the trip to Madrid. Naby Keita could potentially return to contention after previously suffering with a muscle injury.
Yossi Benayoun was the last Liverpool player to score a winning goal against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu (Getty Images)What are your predictions for Real Madrid vs Liverpool? Share your thoughts in the comments below
Carlo Ancelotti also has a number of problems to overcome. Benzema has been suffering with an ankle injury over recent weeks but should be okay to return for the second leg. There is less promising news over Ferland Mendy and David Alaba though who appear unlikely to play against the Reds in any capacity.
If Liverpool hope to progress, they will need to do something that they have managed to only ever achieve once - winning at the Bernabeu. They last won 1-0 in February 2009 - Yossi Benayoun netting the winning goal. Their previous trip to the Bernabeu itself saw them lose 1-0 after Brendan Rodgers fielded a much-changed line-up.
When is Real Madrid vs Liverpool?
The game takes place at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday, March 15. Kick-off is scheduled for 8pm GMT.
How can I watch the game?
The game itself will be broadcast on BT Sport 1 and BT Sport Ultimate. Alternatively, subscribers can tune in via the BT Sport Website or app.
Latest odds
- Real Madrid - 5/4
- Draw - 3/1
- Liverpool - 7/4
Odds provided by Betfair. 18+, UK customers only, T&Cs apply