Real Madrid vs. Liverpool has always been a treat, at least for neutral football fans and Los Blancos supporters. Not so much for the Reds. The last five years have seen several meetings between the two European powerhouses, with each game featuring some outstanding football. Now they cross paths once more.
The last time Liverpool played the Spanish club it wasn’t the best game for them. Well, quality wise the Reds did everything in their power but perhaps it just wasn’t meant to be that day. Anyway, with another chance to turn things around, they invite the 14 times UCL winner to Anfield for the first leg of the round of 16 fixture.
It will undoubtedly be an exciting contest with outstanding tactical skirmishes and mind games between some of the most accomplished players and managers on both sides. Yet, Liverpool will benefit from the projected absence of two of Real Madrid’s key players due to injury.
Real Madrid will be without two crucial players in their encounter against Liverpool
According to AS, Los Blancos forward Karim Benzema will be sidelined against Osasuna due to a bruising he received against Elche. Carlo Ancelotti hopes to give the French star enough time to heal before the Liverpool game, but it appears like the player may struggle to return in time.
Benzema has had fitness issues this season, both before and after the World Cup. Despite this, Benzema is still in excellent form, and if he travels to Anfield, he will be a major threat as usual.
Midfielder Toni Kroos is also a concern after missing Real Madrid’s Friday training session due to gastroenteritis. According to Relevo, the German has been under close medical care and appears to have lost weight and mass owing to an illness that might keep him out of the first leg against Liverpool.
On the other hand, Liverpool has a number of players injured, including Thiago Alcantara, Luis Diaz, and others. It remains to be seen how these players’ conditions develop in the next days.
Real Madrid takes on Liverpool on Tuesday.
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