The Champions League returns with a high voltage fixture as Real Madrid hosts Liverpool for the first leg of the quarterfinals tie. It is a repeat of the 2018 finals, and therefore Liverpool will be charged up to redeem themselves in this match.
Both the teams are very successful in European competitions but have had similar kind of domestic campaigns. So they are looking to resurrect their season by going through to the semifinals.
The Reds have struggled with persistent injuries to their star players, mostly in defence, which has derailed their Premier League season and hence they are in the sixth position, two points below the Champions League spots. Meanwhile, Real Madrid have also had numerous injury concerns over the season. They are gradually looking to get back in the groove in the La Liga as they are only three points off leaders Atletico Madrid.
Both the teams will be carrying some good form as they are coming to this match with wins in their respective leagues. Liverpool will be high on confidence as they defeated Arsenal 3-0 whereas Real Madrid were also good against Eibar, defeating them 2-0. So it goes without even saying that it will be a very closely contested fixture.
In terms of injuries, Los Blancos are dealt with a big blow as their skipper Sergio Ramos will be missing the fixture due to a muscle injury during the international break. It is unfortunate for the Spaniard as he recently returned from injury. However, to Zinedine Zidane’s relief, star winger Eden Hazard has recovered from his concerns and has made him available for this fixture.
On the other hand, the story remains the same for Liverpool as they are still dealing with their long term absentees. Diego Jota has returned, though. He came off the bench and scored a brace against the Gunners. Jurgen Klopp may be tempted to try that strategy again against Real Madrid. Jordan Henderson, however, misses out despite being very near to his recovery.
Key Players
Karim Benzema
Benzema’s importance in this Real Madrid side is immense, the Frenchman has bailed them out of tight situations on innumerable occasions. He has that great eye for goals and is not dependant on his supply line as he can create his own chances. Something that makes him very different from the top strikers in the world right now. Despite missing out on some matches due to injuries, the 33-year-old has still managed to score five goals in the Champions League this season, one of them coming against Atalanta in the second leg of the last round.
Luka Modric
Another player who is at the twilight of his career at 35, but he plays like he is at his peak. Modric will look to control the midfield and dictate terms just like the way Zidane wants his team to function, especially against a potent attacking side like Liverpool. He will be the creative nucleus of the team and help a lot in ball progression and will also support Toni Kroos in anchoring and retaining possession whenever required. Despite his age, he brings a great energy source to this team with his darting runs through the middle.
Mohamed Salah
Despite all of Liverpool’s struggle this season, salah has kept going strong and scoring goals. He is currently the second-highest goalscorer in the Premier League with 18 goals, only a goal behind Spurs striker Harry Kane. The last time he faced Los Blancos was back in the 2018 Champions League finals, where he had an infamous tussle with Sergio Ramos. It led to his injury, and he had to be replaced early on in the game. Liverpool went on to lose the match eventually. Therefore the wounds of that match will be fresh for the Egyptian as he will be eager to come to all guns blazing against similar foes in a high voltage clash.
Fabinho
Fabinho will have his task cut out against the likes of Kroos and Modric. The Brazilian’s main idea will be to disrupt the passing flow in the middle for Los Blancos, disrupting their attacking rhythm. Fabinho will have to produce a defensive masterclass in midfield as both the Liverpool centre backs are inexperienced and have probably not played these kinds of matches against such quality oppositions. Klopp will rely on his tireless approach and shrewd defensive skills to turn the tables in this tie.
Prediction
It is too close to make a prediction as both the teams will be missing some key players. With a lot of scores to settle, this will be a very crucial fixture for both sides. Both the teams have played some great football this season and at the same time been sloppy as well. However, in the current scenario, Real Madrid have gained some form, but Ramos’ absence will be a big blow for them in the first leg. A low scoring draw can be expected with both sides fighting valiantly to get the better of one another.
