The clash at the Santiago Bernabéu will settle the tie in the Round of 16, with Madrid holding the momentum after an away leg that swung in their favor.
Real Madrid opened the 2022/23 Champions League knockout phase by hosting Liverpool at Anfield on a Tuesday night. Carlo Ancelotti’s side were under pressure after conceding early to Darwin Núñez and Mohamed Salah, yet recovered to win 5-2 thanks to goals from Vinícius Júnior (two), Éder Militão and Karim Benzema (two). This result changed the mood around the tie and underscored Madrid’s resolve in the face of a difficult test.
With the second leg looming at the Bernabéu, questions arise about the exact result Real Madrid needs to advance to the quarterfinals of Europe’s premier club competition. The atmosphere in Madrid was buoyant, and supporters looked ahead to a decisive night at home where the team would aim to close out the tie.
The second leg between the Spanish and English giants is scheduled for March 15, 2023, with the Whites welcoming the Reds to the Bernabéu. The 14-time European champions will progress to the quarterfinals if they win or even draw the match. Even a one-goal defeat would still leave them on course, depending on the aggregate result. In Champions League rules, an away goal no longer carries extra weight, so Liverpool would need a three-goal win in Madrid to push the tie into extra time, and if the aggregate remains level, penalties would decide the outcome. Klopp’s side would advance directly to the last eight only if they win by four or more goals in Madrid.
Which result would you predict for Madrid?
- 52% Real Madrid
- 11% São Paulo
- 5% Cremonese
- 25% Ajax
- 7% Burnley
Votes tallied: 16369 — data compiled from the online poll and match context. Real Madrid players and coaches would be mindful that this is a knockout clash where every goal matters and squad depth could tilt the result in either direction. A disciplined defensive display followed by quick, efficient counterattacks could be the key to sealing qualification. In recent meetings, Madrid has shown adaptability in European nights, often turning pushbacks into decisive moments with precise finishing and strategic pressing. Outcome scenarios hinge on how well the team manages midfield battles and maintains focus during the final third of the match, especially given the high tempo set by Liverpool in previous legs.
Note: The second leg presents a unique challenge where tactical adjustments and substitutions can swing the tie. The Bernabéu atmosphere, combined with Madrid’s home advantage, could tip the balance in favor of the Spanish side if they control the tempo and protect their lead after the opening whistle.
Overall, the emphasis will be on maintaining composure, converting chances, and leveraging set-piece opportunities. The outcome will hinge on how Madrid balances attack with restraint, ensuring that they stay compact when Liverpool presses and exploit gaps with fast breaks and precise finishes. The night is expected to offer a compelling finale to a dramatic tie, with Madrid aiming to advance to the next stage and continue their European campaign with confidence and purpose.