The backstory of the game is great. Maybe even bigger than the upcoming encounter between two heavyweights of European football.
When Liverpool FC and Real Madrid face each other in the round of 16 of the Champions League (Tuesday, 9 p.m., in the Sportschau live ticker), it not only sounds like a final, but it is the rerun of the finals of 2018 and 2022. And Traditionalists also go straight back to 1981, when these clubs also met in the old European Cup of Champions.
as once Alan Kennedy scored for Liverpool in the Prinzenpark in Paris in the 81st minute to make it 1-0, Liverpool were the first English club to win the handle pot three times. What nobody could have guessed: Since then, the record champion from Spain has not lost a final like this.
The tragic appearance of Loris Karius in Kiev
Just the “Red’s” have suffered from the last final defeats: in 2018 in Kiev, at that time still a lively capital of Ukraine, which welcomed both fan camps with open arms, Real roughneck Sergio Ramos violated Mo Salah’s shoulder before Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius almost made a tragic performance that ended in a 1:3 defeat.
In the 2022 edition, which was overshadowed by riots around the Stade de France, it seemed like a joke from the course of the game that Jürgen Klopp’s team – who, however, had won the Champions League in 2019 – did not reward themselves for an oppressive superiority and after the 0: 1 -Blowing the neck at the award ceremony made long faces again.
No win against Real since 2009
In order not to lose confidence in the run-up to the next showdown with their feared opponent, the two most recent wins in the Premier League came at just the right time – 2-0 each against Everton and Newcastle United. “The only way we can get back on track is to win – and we’ve done that twice in a row now”Klopp explained afterwards.
But any exuberance is out of the question for the German coach after the long dry spell. “I don’t think we’re in a position now to have a big mouth“said the 55-year-old, who of course also knows the statistics against Madrid. Between the lost finals, Real also put up the stop sign in the quarter-finals in 2021. Liverpool have not beaten Madrid since progressing in the Champions League round of 16 in 2009.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti is confident
Coach Carlo Ancelotti wants to make sure that doesn’t change for the time being. “We’re in good shape and we’ll go to Anfield with a lot of confidence”, said the Italian, who has to do without the participation of Toni Kroos and Aurelien Tchouameni, who were recently ill. In addition to the rested top scorer Karim Benzema, Vinicius Junior, who became the match winner in last year’s final, is also seeded.
Of course, after Liverpool’s desolate season so far, Real are still the favorites, but Liverpool’s midfield worker Fabinho knows: “Champions League nights are always special at Anfield.” The fans are sure to give their all as it has not escaped their notice that this year’s Champions League final will again be held in Istanbul – the scene of the legendary triumph over AC Milan in 2005.
Klopp will also have no problem motivating his team. “This game speaks for itself.” Just in time for the real showdown, the spirits at Liverpool are awakened again. “We have worked hard, we continue to work hard to improve our situation”said goalkeeper Alisson Becker: “I think we’re regaining momentum and confidence, but we can’t take things for granted.” Especially not against Real Madrid.