Liverpool vs Real Madrid: Champions League Round of 16 Preview

Madrid may have star players blocked by a stubborn defense, but they can still pull off a late surge, especially with Toni Kroos rejoining the squad just in time.

Real Madrid returns to its favored battlefield this Tuesday as the UEFA Champions League resumes. The White team travels to Anfield for the first leg of the round of 16, facing an old foe in Liverpool, the club they conquered in last year’s final. It promises a great match—two storied clubs aiming to strike first and set the tone for the tie.

ALL ABOUT LIVERPOOL VS. REAL MADRID IN THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE 2022-2023

Key questions for Real Madrid

The Madrid side faces a midfield setback. Aurelien Tchouameni is not available, and Toni Kroos was not in the latest squad ahead of the trip to Anfield. The German star was a late addition to the final squad and is unlikely to be risked for this match. To fill the void, Carlo Ancelotti could turn to Eduardo Camavinga and Fede Valverde, moving the latter forward from the midfield to strengthen the central area and allow Rodrygo to push higher up the pitch.

Another option would be to field Dani Ceballos to reinforce the core alongside Camavinga, Valverde, and Luka Modric. If that happens, Rodrygo would drop back to support Benzema and Vinícius Junior, the two principal attacking threats. In defense, the question remains whether Dani Carvajal starts on the right or whether Nacho Fernández earns the task of playing the dependable, versatile role. In goal, Thibaut Courtois will protect the net, with a back line featuring David Alaba, Eder Milito, and Antonio Rudiger in the sturdy three slots beside him.

Additionally, Sergio Arribas and Mario Martín, along with Álvaro Rodríguez, were included in the squad. These three Real Madrid Castilla players have recently shown their rising potential, marking their latest ascent after leading Group 1 of the Primera RFEF and overtaking Alcorcón. Álvaro Rodríguez impressed in the last Osasuna fixture, providing two assists within the brief minutes Ancelotti granted him, even though one assist was ruled out by VAR.

Liverpool, carrying a major doubt over Darwin Núñez

At Anfield, Madrid will confront Jurgen Klopp’s side, a team that remains dangerous despite sitting eighth in the Premier League and six points outside European qualification. The major issue for Liverpool is the health of Darwin Núñez, a key attacking option who missed the Newcastle match due to injury. If Núñez cannot play, Roberto Firmino would lead the attack, flanked by Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo. In defense, Joe Gómez and Joel Matip are likely to partner Virgil van Dijk, while the midfield duo would see Naby Keita and Stefan Bajcetic competing for a place alongside Jordan Henderson and Fabinho.

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LINEUPS FOR LIVERPOOL VS. REAL MADRID

Liverpool (4-3-3): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Van Dijk, Gomez, Robertson; Henderson, Fabinho, Bajcetic; Salah, Núñez, Gakpo

Real Madrid (4-3-3): Courtois; Carvajal, Rudiger, Militao, Alaba; Camavinga, Modric, Valverde; Rodrygo, Vinícius Jr., Benzema

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INJURIES AND CREATIVE MAINTENANCE FOR LIVERPOOL VS. REAL MADRID

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Source: Goal