A victory against Aston Villa in the Premier League is fantastic and all, but the focus is now on overcoming a first deficit in the Champions League for Liverpool.
The Reds made a poor account of themselves against Real Madrid in the first stage of the quarterfinals and now have a big mountain to climb to overcome a total of 3-1 points and advance to the last four.
“My job – and the boy’s job – is to channel your energy despite the forced distance. We know it’s still there, so we can still use it.” ?
Jürgen Klopp’s #UCL program listings ⤵️
– Liverpool FC (@LFC) 13 April 2021
Jurgen Klopp’s side has of course been weakened by injuries this season, but there is still enough quality to let go and set his only away goal to use.
This is how Liverpool will play against Los Blancos on Wednesday.
Take back the mustache | Clive Brunskill / Getty Images
Alisson (GK) – A shaky season continued this weekend with a couple of mistakes, but Alisson is the man for the big moment. Probably should have kept the mustache though.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (RB) – Torn in the first leg, but the positive here is that there is no way in hell that he or Klopp are willing to let it happen again. Sure.
Nathaniel Phillips (CB) – Thrives at home against Villa this weekend and can do the same again against Real Madrid on Wednesday. Nat Phillips at home is a force to be reckoned with (imagine saying that 12 months ago).
Ozan Kabak (CB) – Injuries mean that the youthful duo has been thrown into the very deep end, but everything is a fantastic learning experience. Kabak has impressed and can only benefit from a new game against the highest opposition.
Andy Robertson (LB) – In a side that fights for fitness, Robertson’s reliability must be recognized. But he needs to improve his first leg performance here.
Thiago must start for Liverpool | Soccrates Images / Getty Images
Fabinho (DM) – A fall can be made to lose the Brazilian in defense for extra security, but it then leaves Real’s impeccable midfield with even more room to operate in.
Thiago Alcantara (CM) – With Naby Keita connected before the end of the first half in the first stage, it is fair to say that the Champions League-winning Thiago returns to XI for this one.
Georginio Wijnaldum (CM) – The Dutchman must show more attacking moves with nothing to lose on Wednesday and can be useful to take advantage of a rocky Real defense.
Bobby is back. | Quality Sport Images / Getty Images
Mohamed Salah (RW) – Liverpool’s magical man is expected to make a big shift if they want any hope of somehow going beyond the last eight, but his first leg goal gives them a glimmer of hope.
Roberto Firmino (ST) – Handing out Firmino in the first leg damaged Liverpool’s ability to press effectively and eventually left them wide at times. He must return to XI.
Sadio Mane (LW) – He has not been in great shape by any means, but Mane was rested this weekend and you would support him to be able to turn things around.
