Real Madrid’s quest to reclaim dominance in Europe reaches a pivotal second Wednesday because the 15-time champions tackle Liverpool in a high-stakes Champions League conflict.
The rivalry, wealthy with historical past and stress, continues to favor Madrid, who’ve an eight-match unbeaten streak in opposition to the Reds, together with decisive wins within the 2018 and 2022 finals.
Los Blancos have struggled to seek out consistency within the revamped Champions League format.
They sit 18th within the standings – removed from their ordinary elite positioning – with two group-stage losses already.
A shock 1-0 defeat to Lille and a 3-1 humbling by AC Milan have forged doubts on their title protection.
Adding to the strain, Real Madrid threat an unprecedented third group-stage loss, a state of affairs by no means seen of their storied historical past.
Domestically, nonetheless, Carlo Ancelotti’s males appear to be regaining their groove.
Back-to-back La Liga wins – 4-0 over Osasuna and 3-0 in opposition to Leganes – have narrowed the hole with leaders Barcelona to 4 factors.
While catching La Blaugrana stays a precedence, the instant focus lies in avoiding an early European exit.
Squad depth
Real Madrid’s go to to Anfield comes with vital challenges.
Brazilian star Vinicius Junior is sidelined with a hamstring damage, becoming a member of a prolonged checklist of absentees that features defensive stalwarts David Alaba, Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao. Rodrygo, Aurelien Tchouameni and Lucas Vazquez are additionally uncertain, leaving Ancelotti to depend on youthful skills.
Castilla graduate Raul Asencio, 21, might make his Champions League debut, whereas Brahim Diaz is poised to fill Vinicius’s void in assault.
Anfield recollections
Madrid’s final go to to Anfield noticed them dismantle Liverpool 5-2 within the 2022-23 Round of 16, a sport that showcased their composure on the most important stage.
They adopted it with a slender 1-0 victory on the Santiago Bernabeu, underlining their psychological edge over the Merseyside giants.
But with Liverpool in scintillating type, sustaining that dominance gained’t be straightforward.
Liverpool’s excellent begin
Arne Slot’s Liverpool are the one crew with an ideal document on this 12 months’s Champions League, sitting atop the standings with 12 factors from 4 matches.
Domestically, the Reds have additionally impressed, rallying for a 3-2 victory over Southampton of their newest Premier League outing.
Mohamed Salah’s heroics proceed to propel them ahead, with the Egyptian netting a game-winning brace to safe their tenth league win below Slot’s management.
Tactical battles
Liverpool will purpose to capitalize on Real’s defensive frailties.
Alexis Mac Allister and Luis Diaz are anticipated to return to the beginning lineup, including aptitude and creativity to an already potent assault.
Meanwhile, Trent Alexander-Arnold – rumored to be a Madrid goal – is a health doubt however might play a vital function if obtainable.
Madrid’s hopes hinge on Ancelotti’s tactical acumen and their potential to frustrate Liverpool in key moments.
Despite their struggles, the reigning champions’ pedigree makes them a formidable opponent, particularly with seasoned gamers like Luka Modric and Toni Kroos anchoring the midfield.
Source: www.dailysabah.com