Liverpool calmly took away points at Real Madrid. On March 10th, Liverpool looks to advance past the first knockout round... Soccer City FC guest contributor, Tom Mallows, reminds us about the key performers in this match up below...
Rafa Benitez may have ambitions to manage Real Madrid one day but before he can contemplate taking the reigns at the Bernabeu he first needs to plot their downfall with his present club, Liverpool.
The Reds Premier League title challenge may have faltered in recent weeks but under Benitez they have an excellent record in the Champions League. Winners in 2005 and finalists in 2007, the Spaniard gets his tactics spot on in Europe and it would be no surprise if they get a result here.
Former Portsmouth man Lassana Diarra, who has been a big hit in Spain since his big money move, will line-up for Real after he was chosen to be registered for the Champions League ahead of fellow January signing Klaas Huntelaar. Juande Ramos has had mixed reviews since returning to Spain following his sacking form Spurs. With the La Liga title surely beyond them they must see the Champions league as their best chance of a major honour this season.
Key players:
Real Madrid: Arjen Robben
The former Chelsea man has been given more freedom by Ramos and it has paid off with the Dutchman turning in some superb performances. With the game at the Bernabeu expected to be tight, a brief flash of skill or burst of pace from the winger could be the difference.
Liverpool: Steven Gerrard
It was a toss up between Gerrard and Fernando Torres but the Liverpool skipper just edged it. Whenever Liverpool have been in trouble, especially in the Champions League (remember the 2005 final???) Gerrard has raised his game and almost single handily played Liverpool back into contention. He is crucial to Liverpool’s fortunes.
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