Liverpool vs Real Madrid: 5 key battles to look out for

Liverpool vs Real Madrid (Image credits: Twitter)

Anfield Stadium will witness a clash between two European heavyweights tomorrow (February 22) at 1.30am when defending champions Real Madrid take on Liverpool for the first leg of their UEFA Champions League Round-of-16. A clash between the two will be a treat for the fans as Liverpool look to take revenge against Madrid for last season's Champions League final thrashing.

Both teams have many left out for Tuesday's high-intensity match. Thiago Alcantara, Luis Diaz, Ibrahima Konate, and Calvin Ramsay are all unavailable for Liverpool due to injuries. On the other hand, Real Madrid are without Toni Kroos and Auerelien Tchouameni, two of their three main midfielders. While both are out due to illness, Ferland Mendy is also said to be out of the matchday squad due to a muscle injury.

However, despite missing several key players, the battle at Anfield will not be short of firepower. Both Jurgen Klopp and Carlo Ancelotti still have powerhouses in their ranks to make the match a feast.

Let's take a look at the 5 key battles to watch out for in the Liverpool vs Real Madrid match:

5. Darwin Nunez vs Antonio Rudiger

Darwin Nunes, the goalscorer in Liverpool's 2-0 win over Newcastle United on Saturday, suffered shoulder discomfort and is currently being monitored by team management. However, the Uruguayan striker is expected to feature against Madrid as he looks to shut up his critics.

Real Madrid's Antonio Rudiger would be a perfect match for Darwin Nunes as he can go toe-to-toe with the Liverpool striker. A good performance against Liverpool could cement the German player's place in Ancelotti's XI this season as well.

4. Luka Modric vs Jordan Henderson

If Real Madrid are to win, it will be vital for Modric to be firing on all cylinders, especially with Toni Kroos and Auerelien Tchouameni out. The Croatian captain is excellent with his short passes and opening the defense with his inch-perfect through balls.

Liverpool needs someone capable of breaking Modric's rhythm and Jordan Henderson could be a perfect choice. The midfielder likes to perform in big games and Jurgen Klopp will trust his man for tomorrow's high-intensity game.

3. Mohamed Salah vs David Alaba

The Egyptian has been in fine form in the Champions League with seven goals and one assist in six games. He emerged as the joint-top scorer alongside Kylian Mbappe. Mo Salah will be one of the key players for Liverpool against Madrid. David Alaba will mostly take on the responsibility of managing Salah. In Mendy's absence, Alaba will have to operate as a left-back.

2. Vinicius Junior vs Trent Alexander-Arnold

Liverpool will have a special eye on Vinicius Junior as Real Madrid's left-winger was the one who scored the winning goal against them in the Champions League final last season. The Brazilian superstar is in excellent form this season, scoring 16 times and providing eight assists in 34 games across competitions.

His pace and ability to beat any defender in one-on-one situations will definitely trouble the opponent. Liverpool will rely on right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold to tackle Vinicius Junior, as Junior can push on the back foot when he charges forward. The match-up between these two will be a treat to watch.

1. Karim Benzema vs Virgil van Dijk

Karim Benzema was absent from Saturday’s game against Osasuna due to physical discomfort, but the Real Madrid captain will likely be fit for tomorrow's game. Benzema has scored 16 goals and provided four assists in 23 games this season.

He has been below his best this season, but Liverpool will not take the Frenchman lightly. Liverpool's center-back Virgil van Dijk could be the man against Benzema. He has not been the best as expected this season, but definitely be a tough competitor for the opponent as he steps up in big games.