Liverpool will be aiming to secure what could be a vital Champions League advantage on Tuesday as the Reds’ square off with Real Madrid in the last-16 first leg at Anfield.
The two sides’ European fortunes have been very closely entwined over the past few seasons with each enjoying mixed fortunes. They first came together in the 2017/18 final - Gareth Bale’s brace securing the trophy for the Spanish giants.
They clashed again in the 2020/21 quarter-finals as Real progressed once more before the Spanish side dealt arguably one of the most gutting defeats of Jurgen Klopp ’s era at Liverpool in last season’s final. Vinicius Jr’s solitary strike was enough for Madrid to claim victory once more, whilst goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois also produced a series of crucial saves.
