Liverpool vs Real Madrid predictions and match preview for Tuesday’s 2022/23 UEFA Champions League fixture. Read on for analysis as two European giants meet at Anfield in the 1st Leg of the Last 16.
| Date | Tuesday 21st February 2023 |
| Kick-Off | 20:00 (local time) |
| Stadium | Anfield |
| Competition | UEFA Champions League |
Liverpool vs Real Madrid Preview
With 20 European Cups between them, Liverpool and Real Madrid have both written their fair share of history in this competition. Another small chapter will be written over the coming weeks in this mouthwatering Last 16 clash, a repeat of last season’s Final.
Both sides have showcased their fair share of frailties this season, particularly Liverpool who have looked a shadow of their former selves at times. Jurgen Klopp’s team are only 8th in the Premier League currently, which wouldn’t even be good enough for any form of European football next season. There have been a host of poor league defeats and while they did win 5 of their 6 Champions League group games, they were still pipped to top spot in Group A by Napoli.
Real Madrid certainly won’t be taking them lightly though. Anfield on a European night is rarely anything but a tough proposition for visiting teams and Liverpool do come into the match following a couple of better performances and results. 2-0 triumphs over Everton and Newcastle should restore a bit of belief although overall this season there have been plenty of signs of defensive problems which Los Blancos will be hoping to exploit.
The defending European champions also come into this game following a 2-0 win. They left it late, but goals from Fede Valverde and Marco Asensio were enough to see off Osasuna in a potentially tricky fixture at El Sadar. They managed that without Karim Benzema and Toni Kroos and while the former has travelled to Merseyside, Kroos remains sidelined here.
That’s a problem for Real Madrid, particularly given Aurélien Tchouaméni is also out. This is also precisely the kind of night where now Manchester United player Casemiro proved invaluable in the past, so it’ll be interesting to see how Carlo Ancelotti opts to shape up in midfield. Luka Modric and Eduardo Camavinga are both likely starters. Fede Valverde could drop into a deeper role unless they decide to put their faith in Dani Ceballos who has been enjoying plenty of game-time of late.
Score Prediction: Liverpool 2-1 Real Madrid
With neither side particularly convincing defensively this season, we could well see a relatively open 1st Leg here. With Kroos and Tchouaméni available, you might just have fancied Los Blancos to edge it, but after a couple of improved performances, Liverpool will sense an opportunity here. They may just claim the win on the night, however, as Real Madrid have shown many times, a one-goal deficit will be far from insurmountable at the Bernabeu in the 2nd Leg.
PLEASE NOTE – Our European predictions are not betting tips! No profits are guaranteed if you’re using them to bet on Spanish teams playing in Europe. If you are gambling, do so responsibly and never stake more than you can afford to lose. BeGambleAware.
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