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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Charlotte Coates

'He will run riot' - Liverpool vs Real Madrid predictions as pundits disagree on final score

Liverpool take on Real Madrid on Tuesday night in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 encounter at Anfield and predictions have been made.

The Reds have endured a dismal campaign in the Premier League this season, but have made somewhat of a resurgence in recent weeks with two wins on the bounce.

Wins over Everton and Newcastle has instilled confidence at Anfield ahead of the visit of the reigning European champions Madrid.

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Predictions have been made from both England and Spain ahead of a repeat of the 2022 final.

Evening Standard - Liverpool 2-1 Real Madrid

"Madrid have had a hold over Liverpool in recent years but the fact Klopp’s side look to have turned a corner, plus the Anfield factor, could be massive."

The Independent - Liverpool 1-2 Real Madrid

"Saturday’s performance against Newcastle will provide Klopp’s side with a much-needed confidence boost ahead of this crunch tie. Stefan Bajcetic will face a huge task in central midfield against vastly experienced opposition, while Liverpool’s defence will have to work hard against a pacy and clinical Madrid front line. Ultimately, these fine margins might make the difference in this clash between two European heavyweights."

CBS Soccer - Vinicius Jr 'runs riot' against Liverpool and Alexander-Arnold

"Real Madrid and Liverpool are familiar foes and so far their meetings in the Champions League have been decided in a familiar fashion. Jurgen Klopp's side have performed as well, if not better, than their opponents, made one big error at the back and been punished to the maximum. None have been more cruelly exposed than Trent Alexander-Arnold. Every defensive error he makes is mitigated and then some by his contributions in attack; few if any other right backs can find space and play the kind of pass that Liverpool's did to assist Darwin Nunez in Saturday's win over Newcastle.

GET INVOLVED: Pick your Liverpool XI to face Real Madrid via our team selector below

"Unfortunately for Liverpool, Vinicius is on something of a tear at the moment, scoring six in his last nine appearances and weighing in with three assists. It is rather hard to know how much the Reds' defense has really improved after wins over a passive Everton and the 10 men of Newcastle, who still had plenty of good opportunities when they were two goals and a man down."

Sportsmole - Liverpool 2-2 Real Madrid

"The result of Tuesday's highly-anticipated first leg may very well hinge on how many players Klopp and Ancelotti can recover from the treatment room, but an exhilarating showdown should be on the cards nonetheless.

"While Liverpool have regained some momentum at the right time and can expose Real's fitness concerns in midfield, Los Blancos are never to be underestimated in the Champions League and should have Benzema fit and firing in a fearsome attack, so we simply cannot separate the two continental giants and believe that everything will be left to play for at the Bernabeu next month."

Sportskeeda - Liverpool 2-2 Real Madrid

"Liverpool have shown definitive signs of improvement over the past month and will be intent on moving in the right direction. Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo can be lethal on their day and will look to prove their mettle this weekend.

"Real Madrid can pack a punch on their day but have issues to address ahead of this match. Both teams are evenly matched at the moment and could play out a draw in this fixture."

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