REAL MADRID will look to finish the job when they host Liverpool in the Champions League at the Bernabeu.
The Spanish heavyweights boast a three-goals advantage heading into the Last 16 second leg having beaten Jurgen Klopp’s side 5-2 at Anfield in the reverse fixture on February 21.
The latest odds for Real Madrid vs Liverpool ahead of Wednesday’s game.
Can Liverpool do the unthinkable?
In all honesty, it’s extremely unlikely the Reds will produce another European shock given their current form.
Jurgen Klopp’s side have been a bit Jekyll and Hyde in recent months, and that showed again over the weekend when following a 7-0 demolition of Manchester United by losing 1-0 at Bournemouth.
Of course, it’s not entirely out of the question.
They’ve done it before and are one of only four teams to have overcome a 3+ goal deficit after the first leg of a UEFA Champions League knockout tie.
But Real Madrid have an encouraging stat of their own having progressed from 26 of their previous 27 European Cup/Champions League knockout ties when winning the first leg away from home.
In addition to a three-goal advantage, Carlo Ancelotti’s side have a psychological edge in their recent meetings.
Real have won SIX of their last seven Champions League clashes with Liverpool and drawn the other.
Admittedly, Real Madrid haven’t been great since that 5-2 win at Anfield.
In fact, they’ve won just one of their four competitive matches since, and that was against 15th-placed Espanyol.
But we know their pedigree in this competition, and more often than not – they deliver on the biggest stage.
Los Blancos boast a terrific record at home (when they are not playing Barcelona) having conceded just 14 goals in their last 21 competitive home matches.
And perhaps most importantly, they’ve not conceded more than once during that run, which is a problem for Liverpool.
Given their habit of beating Liverpool, who have no option but to attack, we think Real Madrid can clinch a victory.
With Liverpool forced to go for the jugular, Real Madrid will look to counter. And in those situations, there are few more dangerous than Vinicius Junior.
The Brazilian, 22, has been outstanding this season and has 19 goals and a further nine assists to his name in 39 appearances.
Six of those have been in the Champions League, and two came against Liverpool in the reverse fixture.
In fact, he’s only failed to score or assist ONCE in Real Madrid’s seven UCL matches this campaign.
A midfield three of Stefan Bajcetic, Fabinho, and Jordan Henderson hardly screams pace, and that, plus a high line, will likely play into Vinicius’ hands.
Cynical fouls? These will NOT be in short supply.
It’s in Real Madrid’s best interest to slow the game down with tactical fouls, while Liverpool will be eager to snatch the ball back at every opportunity.
There were over 18 fouls in the reverse fixture with only two cards.
But Wednesday’s referee Felix Zwayer has shown 28 yellows in five Champions League matches, including nine during Napoli vs Ajax.
Bet365
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