Liverpool and Real Madrid – A fighting victory at the Queens Park Rangers has given Brendan Rodgers’ Liverpool a fitting boost prior to their kickoff against Real Madrid as the latter visit at Anfield stadium.
A fighting victory at the Queens Park Rangers has given Brendan Rodgers’ Liverpool a fitting boost prior to their kickoff against the reigning champions Real Madrid as the latter visit at the most famous, Anfield stadium.
Liverpool have yet to get their Champions League ambitions in place and a win against the ‘Los Blancos’ might just be the perfect dose of medicine.
Moreover, the Reds will expect their noisy fans to recreate the special Anfield atmosphere that has helped them conquer Europe five times and will a fascinating display.
But both the sides will be missing some key players but when it’s down to Cristiano Ronaldo and Mario Balotelli, the temperature soars till the ceiling! With a ‘heavyduty’ clash up ahead, we look at best 5 clashes from this tie that could decide the faith of both the teams.
Martin Skrtel vs. Cristiano Ronaldo
Liverpool’s defence has been a major talking point since the EPL began with the goals leaking left, right and centre. But that’s done any harm on Martin Skrtel who will be allotted to mark world’s famous player, Cristiano Ronaldo. The Slovakian international is a bully at the back and with his physical presence might just outdo the creativity and skills of CR7.
Mario Balotelli vs. Pepe
With Sergio Ramos out injured, Pepe takes the mantle of leading the back-four against Liverpool. The Portuguese is an ‘animal’ in the defence and when he comes up against Italian Mario Balotelli, it would be a spectacle for all the fans. Will Balotelli score? or would he be benched by Brendan Rodgers tonight? This would be one intriguing contest that cannot be missed.
Steven Gerrard vs. James Rodriguez
Liverpool skipper and icon Steven Gerrard admitted prior to the match that he was closer to Real switch years back and ‘regrets’ the decision. But here he is, leading his side in the UEFA Champions League against the winners, Real Madrid. ‘Stevie G’ has been deployed in the central midfield department and would be allotted to stop the runs of Colombian superstar, James Rodriguez who has yet to stamp his mark at Los Blancos.
Philippe Coutinho vs. Toni Kroos
Brazilian midfielder Philippe Coutinho is a treat to watch on the field with an array of passes and skills that can leave any opposition defence baffled! If he gets going, Liverpool can have one eye on goal if Coutinho is on song but German Toni Kroos will be a hard wall to crack. With the World Cup winner in the centre of midfield, Coutinho might have to be at his level best.
Raheem Sterling vs. Marcelo
Brazilian Marcelo has more pace than teammate Fabio Coentrao and with pacy Raheem Sterling up against, the former’s battle on the flanks will be a treat to watch.
