Huge Champions League Round of 16 clash at Anfield
Real Madrid and Liverpool, the two finalists in last year's edition, go head-to-head in the Round of 16 first leg (9:00pm CET).
Real Madrid continue their campaign to retain their status as European champions as the Champions League enters the knock-out phase, with Ancelotti's boys heading to Anfield for the Round of 16 first leg meeting with Liverpool 9:00pm CET. It's an epic encounter which pits the two teams from last year's European Cup final against each other once again, following the madridistas' Decimocuarta success.
The aim tonight is to take a first step towards the competition quarter-finals. That said, as we saw in all three knock-out rounds in last season's Champions League, the return leg at the Santiago Bernabéu will always have a big role to play in deciding the tie. At home, Ancelotti's team have proved a seriously tough nut to crack.
The aim tonight is to take a first step towards the competition quarter-finals. That said, as we saw in all three knock-out rounds in last season's Champions League, the return leg at the Santiago Bernabéu will always have a big role to play in deciding the tie. At home, Ancelotti's team have proved a seriously tough nut to crack.
“This is a two-legged tie and we'll have to play well in both games”, underlined Ancelotti in the pre-match press conference. The Italian coach, who will be without Mendy, Kroos, Mariano and Tchouameni, has travelled with this squad for the trip to Liverpool. Modrić, who also spoke to the press, said: “We're gearing up for a tough game and we'll have to be at our best”. Meanwhile, Benzema has netted 16 goals in 23 Champions League fixtures against English clubs, his best numbers against teams from a single nation.
Liverpool
The English side come into the clash after finishing second in Group A, behind Napoli. They have won their last two league games, against Newcastle 0-2 and Everton 2-0, while Salah is their leading marksman with 18 goals.
Liverpool
The English side come into the clash after finishing second in Group A, behind Napoli. They have won their last two league games, against Newcastle 0-2 and Everton 2-0, while Salah is their leading marksman with 18 goals.