Liverpool face Real Madrid once again in what has become a regular fixture between the two European giants in the last five years, the Spanish side prevailing in two Champions League finals and a two-leg knockout round in 2021.
With Madrid seemingly having Liverpool’s number, Jurgen Klopp’s men are winless in their last six games against Los Blancos - and will be hoping to meet their old foes with a vengeance this evening at Anfield.
A refreshed attack will be looking to surprise the Spanish giants’ defence, but the true battle tonight will come in the three versus three showdown in midfield.
Despite the 14-times Champions League winners missing veteran German playmaker Toni Kroos and former Liverpool target Aurelien Tchouameni, the options available in Luka Modric, Eduardo Camavinga and Dani Ceballos should not be overlooked.
Here is where the game could be won and lost...
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Stefan Bajcetic vs Luka Modric
Just six months ago, Reds fans may have doubted this battle would take place at all. The prospect of a Ballon D’or winner versus an untested academy prospect may have left many Anfield faithful scratching their heads, but Stefan Bajcetic’ s recent performances at the top level of football suggest this will be no simple task for the Croatian maestro.
The praise for Liverpool’s Spanish starlet has spread thick and fast. Bajcetic’s mature midfield displays have helped drag a deflated side out of a horrific run of form at the start of 2023, capturing the hearts of fans and neutrals across the country along the way.
However, taking on ‘Croatia’s greatest ever player’ will be anything but easy. Modric is known for his world-class creative footballing ability, passing vision and a solid shooting foot when required.
The World Cup finalist has managed 1.43 key-passes per-game this season and has an 89% pass completion rate, dictating play from his favourite area on the right side of the centre midfield. He also provides a crucial link between the attack and defence, helping move the ball up the pitch, as well as offering cover for his teammates.
Bajcetic will have to maintain his cool and provide an ample defence-to-attack pivot around Modric to nullify his dangerous creative potential. If the youngster fails, Modric’s well-placed passes and dominant presence could be decisive against Liverpool.
Fabinho vs Eduardo Camavinga
A veteran to this fixture, Liverpool’s Fabinho will once again have his work cut out for him in the centre of the pitch against the exciting World Cup finalist, Camavinga.
Finding his form again after a quiet season so far, the Reds’ defensive midfielder has been accused of losing some of his potency, due to either age or exhaustion. Despite the poor start to 2023, the Brazilian has shown signs of returning to his former sentinel status.
With victories over Everton and Newcastle, Fabinho has returned to being a safeguarding presence in front of Liverpool’s malleable defence, securing two clean sheets and providing accurate distributions of 90% and 94% passing completion rates in his last two games.
A combination of a deft touch, instant decision making, and a lightning-fast turn of pace, Camavinga’s qualities were clear in the Qatar World Cup Final, where he was subbed on in the 71st minute and made an instant impact with his forward-thinking play to help to even the score against Argentina.
Fabinho will have to work alongside his teammates, using his superior physical strength to kill the chaotic energy Camavinga will bring to the game.
Jordan Henderson vs Dani Ceballos
Two players who have met before in the Premier League come face to face again in this explosive Champions League clash.
Henderson and Ceballos will be looking outplay each other at their own games, hoping to dictate play from the centre of the pitch.
Ceballos’ strengths lie in covering ground and distributing to his wingers or his forwards. A high attacking work rate and eye for overloading offensive runs means the number 19 will contribute to the heavy pressure Liverpool’s defenders will have to withstand over the 90 minutes at Anfield.
Finding himself breaking into the Madrid team in Tchouameni and Kroos’ absence, the midfielder plays a unique role in winning key fouls for the Spanish side. His lightweight physicality and sharp touches can help to shift tricky, water-tight games in the Blancos’ favour.
Another veteran to the fixture, Henderson will understand the quality of the Real Madrid midfield and will have to utilise his maturity and experience.
With Madrid likely on the front foot for spells during the game, Liverpool’s captain will hope to work alongside Fabinho in absorbing the Galactico’s high press and capitalise on the space Ceballos will leave behind him; taking advantage of the Spaniard’s height and overextending runs to unleash dangerous counter attacks through the channels to Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo and Darwin Nunez.
With Liverpool’s midfield being questioned by many this season, the introduction of Bajcetic, Nunez and Gakpo could finally be the wake-up call fans have been waiting for.
Inspiring a new wave of motivation among the squad to thwart their fierce European rivals after a recent history of defeat, this fixture is sure to be filled to the brim with action.
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