21 February 2023 , 05:00
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Liverpool's biggest game of the season takes place on Tuesday night, as they welcome European champions Real Madrid to Anfield.
The two heavyweights have been pitted together in the last 16 of the Champions League, with the Reds looking to avenge last season's final defeat. Liverpool are eighth in the Premier League and winning the Champions League could be their best chance of qualifying for next season's tournament. The second leg is scheduled for March 15.
Jurgen Klopp and Carlo Ancelotti spoke to reporters on Monday ahead of the big European clash. Here are the biggest headlines from those press conferences.
Klopp stunned by racism question
Klopp was left perplexed when a journalist asked him about the abhorrent racist abuse Real superstar Vinicius Junior has received of late.
Atletico Madrid fans were filmed signing a disgusting racist chant about Vinicius ahead of September's derby. Then, in January, the Brazilian received sickening abuse from Real Valladolid supporters and a disgraceful effigy was hung from a bridge by Atletico fans.
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Klopp was asked whether Vinicius brings on the abuse himself due to "an aspect of his game is sometimes provocative, that creates some reaction".
Jurgen Klopp spoke to the press on Monday (Getty Images)Was it appropriate for the journalist to ask about this topic? Let us know in the comments below!
The Liverpool boss replied: "That he is doing something on the pitch that could cause it? There is nothing in the world that could justify that. Imagine if I say yes, that would be completely insane."
Klopp went on to describe Vinicius as a "world-class player" and a "Real Madrid legend". He also said: "I hope he's not fazed by any idiots who say something about him."
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Klopp's "torture" comment
Klopp has admitted it was "proper torture" re-watching last season's Champions League final.
The Reds lost 1-0 to Real in Paris thanks to Vinicius' goal. Klopp told reporters: "We played this final in Paris and I didn't watch it back until this weekend. Now I know why I didn't watch it! I didn’t watch Paris back until this weekend. Proper torture.
"We played a good game and could’ve won the game. They scored a decisive goal and we didn’t. You could see how experienced Madrid is."
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Real handed injury boost
Real defender Dani Carvajal is set to be fit for Tuesday night's big game.
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The five-time Champions League winner, 31, managed just 14 minutes of Real's LaLiga fixture against Osasuna on Sunday, but manager Ancelotti isn't concerned about his fitness. The Italian told reporters: "Carvajal is going to play at Anfield."
Liverpool, meanwhile, could be without Darwin Nunez after he picked up a shoulder injury against Newcastle on Saturday. Klopp told reporters: "There is a chance. We have to see how he is today. When we know that we will make a decision."
Klopp will definitely be without Calvin Ramsay (knee), Thiago Alcantara (hip), Luis Diaz (knee), Arthur Melo (thigh) and Ibrahima Konate (hamstring) for the first leg due to injury.
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