Liverpool are set to cross paths with their European nemesis once again after drawing Real Madrid in the Champions League Round of 16.
It was only last season the two were lining up against each other in Paris for the final of the competition, with Los Blancos running out 1-0 winners on the night to seal their 14th Champions League title. It was after that clash that Carlo Ancelotti made some eye-opening remarks that Jurgen Klopp could pin on the dressing room wall this time around.
The Real Madrid boss conceded that Liverpool were "easier to decipher" than some of the other sides they faced en route to the final.
"Looking back, people said PSG were unlucky, Chelsea were unlucky, Manchester City were unlucky," Ancelotti told reporters. "This was practically the only game where people thought we were more or less on the same level.
"I think it helped that Liverpool were easier to decipher than the others because they have a very clear identity and we could prepare the way that we did. We knew what strategy to take - don't give them space behind the defence to run into."
While claiming tactically breaking down the Reds was "easier" than other sides may have rubbed some the wrong way, Klopp is not one to hold any grudges - at least not on the surface.
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"I congratulate Madrid and I have congratulated their president outside personally," the German explained.
With that being said, he did leave one subtle jab in there, adding: "When a goalkeeper is man of the match something is obviously wrong for the other team."
The Spanish giants actually met the Reds in the Champions League final four years prior to last season's showpiece event, with Real Madrid winning that final 3-1 courtesy of some disastrous goalkeeping from since-departed Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius.
Therefore, the Anfield faithful are most likely already sick of the sight of the La Liga titans.
Klopp and Ancelotti have endured contrasting fortunes since that most recent meeting, with Liverpool winning just one game away from home in the league having lost four and drawn four from their opening 13 league games this term.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid currently sit second in the La Liga table, two points behind fierce rivals Barcelona but they could still leapfrog the Blaugrana into top spot if Ancelotti's men win their game in hand.
The Reds will host the first leg on February 14, before making the trip to the Spanish capital just under a month later on March 7 to try and get their revenge on Real Madrid.
