The moment was decisive: a 4-0 victory in favor of the English side in the round of 16 of the Champions League, a result that echoed through European football. Liverpool and Real Madrid stand as two of the sport’s most storied clubs. Not only is the history rich on the old continent, but both teams have defined eras with a trophy cabinet that commands respect. In European competition, the Reds share with Bayern Munich the distinction of lifting the Champions League six times, while Real Madrid alone holds the record with fourteen titles.
THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SHOWDOWN: LIVERPOOL VERSUS REAL MADRID, 2022-2023 ROUND OF 16
This season’s draw paired Liverpool and Real Madrid in a clash for the coveted trophy, the one known as the Orejona. On paper, the matchup looked like a balanced contest anchored in tradition and prestige. Yet recent form has tipped the balance toward Carlo Ancelotti’s side. Klopp’s men have faced a rough run against Madrid in recent years, stretching into a fourteen-year streak without beating the Spanish giants.
The last time Liverpool tasted victory against Madrid was in the 2008-2009 Champions League round of 16. The Reds won the first leg 1-0 at the Bernabéu and then cruised to a 4-0 win at Anfield in the return, marking the second and third encounters between the clubs, respectively. The first meeting was a 1-0 victory for Liverpool in the 1981 European Cup final, a moment that remains part of this enduring rivalry.
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However, Madrid’s trajectory shifted as the rivalry evolved. In the six subsequent meetings, Ancelotti’s side claimed five victories, including two triumphs in European finals, and registered a single draw. The balance now favors Real Madrid: nine games played, five wins for Madrid, three for Liverpool, one draw, and a 2-1 edge for Madrid in finals that decided the fate of coveted titles.
Source: Goal