Liverpool vs. Real Madrid: Preview and betting tips

Tuesday’s Champions League programme will offer a repeat of last season’s final. Liverpool will take on Real Madrid at Anfield, looking to avenge their defeat six months ago. What to expect from the match and what to bet on?

Liverpool have finally picked themselves up and won the last two rounds of the Premier League. Still, it’s definitely not in a good place, falling six points behind the Top 4 from eighth place. They finished second in the LM group ahead of Ajax and Rangers, with Napoli first.

The defending champion sovereignly went through the group with Leipzig, Shakhtar Donetsk and Celtic, and won the World Club Championship a week ago. In La Liga, they are five points behind Barcelona in second place, with the Catalans having an extra game in hand.

Liverpool’s key figures

Egyptian winger Mohamed Salah has been dragging the home side for a long time, scoring 18 goals and assisting eight so far. The hard-working Spanish talent Stefan Bajcetic has caught on in midfield and has quickly become a fan favourite.

Real’s key figures

The visitors cannot do without Brazilian international speedster Vinicius, who has scored 16 goals and assisted eight times. Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema is on 16 goals and four assists.

Liverpool’s defence is not functioning at 100 per cent even after Virgil van Dijk’s recovery. Newcastle, without a suspended player, had to be bailed out by the excellent Alisson Becker at the weekend; the Reds have scored more than once in five of their last nine games.

Plus, Real’s offense is really clicking, at least in terms of numbers. In eight of their last ten games, the White Ballet have struck at least twice, and with 46 hits, they also have the best league attack in Spain.

Considering Liverpool’s long-troubled defence, the interplay of the Benzema, Vinicius tandem and Carlo Ancelotti’s Champions League experience, I think Real will not lose in England.

Source: UEFA