If Real Madrid and Liverpool have grown somewhat uncomfortably familiar with the sight of each other in recent years, there's one aspect with which the Spaniards will be largely unaccustomed.
And the Reds will hope the element of surprise can work in their favour this evening when they once again lock swords with their increasingly regular Champions League rivals.
For the fourth time in six seasons, Liverpool and Real Madrid face off in Europe's premier knockout competition with Jurgen Klopp's side having faltered on each of the previous three occasions.
READ MORE: Jurgen Klopp has already found Roberto Firmino's successor at Liverpool
READ MORE: John Henry has just given Liverpool exactly what they needed
The most recent, of course, was the final in Paris last season, when chaos off the pitch overshadowed an encounter in which the fact Real goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was man of the match said much about the pattern of the Reds' demoralising 1-0 defeat. The La Liga side had won the final 3-1 in Kiev four years earlier, and then in 2020/21 beat Liverpool over two legs with a 3-1 home win followed by a 0-0 draw at Anfield.
Those latter two games were played behind closed doors during the pandemic era. Indeed, Real opted to play their home games that campaign at their training ground as the Bernabeu underwent ongoing reconstruction.
The stadium still won't be fully operational when Liverpool visit next month. And while Anfield is undergoing a renovation of its own, it won't impact on the sell-out crowd of 54,000 that will greet the teams tonight.
"It will be a help hopefully," says Klopp of a full Anfield. "I know our people will give absolutely everything and I can't wait to play the game. But going to the Bernabeu is tough and we don’t even have a lead yet so that will be the hardest work.
"But who cares? It is the Champions League, one of the biggest games in the world, at least one of the biggest games I ever heard about, and with the recent history with one of us in the final and being quite successful in the competition, grinding results out, it will be a top game.
"You always work so hard to qualify for the Champions League so I really think you have to cherish these moments. That's Liverpool-Real Madrid, we all dreamt of that, it will never change and it will be a special game.
"I expect Anfield to be on their toes, the people are really happy they saw us in a better shape the last two games so there are more things to look forward to. Let’s go together again."
The Anfield atmosphere has been the subject of much debate this season, hampered in part by an understandable hangover from events in Paris last May and the struggle of Klopp's side to find form.
However, last Monday's win over Everton saw a marked shift in mood, no doubt increased further by the weekend win at Newcastle United. Where Anfield was only weeks ago subdued, now there will be a real sense of anticipation.
Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti, of course, is no stranger to the power of the stadium, having lost there as manager of Chelsea, Napoli and Everton. And while players such as Luca Modric and Karim Benzema have won at Anfield, a European night there will be new for many in opposition.
Liverpool have been drawn at home in the first leg six times under Klopp, progressing each time - Villarreal last year, Porto and Bayern Munich in 2019, Manchester City and Roma in 2018 and Manchester United in 2016. Since 1991, the Reds have been eliminated only five times from 22 ties when playing at Anfield first.
Benzema scored twice when Real beat 3-0 in a Champions League group game in 2014, and curiously that was the last time an away team has won the toss, directed Liverpool to kick towards the Kop in the first half and then gone on to win the game. Everton were last week the latest to attempt to disrupt the Reds' natural approach to home matches, but were soundly beaten 2-0.
Klopp will have a late call to make on the fitness of Darwin Nunez, who suffered a shoulder problem at Newcastle. Roberto Firmino and Diogo Jota are primed to step into the attack, while Naby Keita is pressing for a recall to midfield..
"There is a history (with Real Madrid)," admits Klopp. "In the last few years one of us was always kind of in the final, that's how it feels at least, and usually if you want to get to the final you have to kick us out or them. This time we play each other, so let's see who can go through. "
Anfield, then, awaits. And in a rivalry which has become increasingly regular, it may prove the surprise hiding in plain sight for Klopp and his players.
READ NEXT
Liverpool 'unhappy' with Premier League as 33-minute flight after Newcastle explained
Jurgen Klopp faces difficult Darwin Nunez decision as Liverpool ponder midfield change
Liverpool release 'caged animal' as teenager move highlights striker issue
Cody Gakpo given Jurgen Klopp blast as Anthony Gordon gesture to Liverpool man 'snubbed'
Who is Markus Krosche? New name emerges as 'candidate' for Liverpool sporting director
