5 Liverpool matches which should serve as a warning to Real Madrid

#1 Liverpool 3-0 Manchester City

Chamberlain scored an absolute stunner to shock City

Context - Liverpool had just scored 5 past FC Porto in Portugal in the round of 16 first leg and saw them off in the second leg. The Reds drew Premier League leaders and one of the tournament favourites Manchester City in the quarterfinals. Pep Guardiola's side were running away with the league title, while playing scintillating attacking football at the same time.

Further, the Reds were expected to play the second leg at the Etihad, implying a result was an absolute-must in the first leg. The nerves were never higher while the fans prepared for an Anfield night for the ages. City had the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, David Silva, Ilkay Gundogan and Fernandinho in their ranks while Liverpool's midfield oozed lesser class and more industry.

(Video Courtesy - TOPSKOR TV)

Result - If there were any nerves, the players did not show it. If there were any doubts, they belonged to City players at half-time. In one of the most memorable Anfield nights, Liverpool outclassed, outworked and outscored City with a breathtaking display of attacking football. The Reds scored thrice between the 12th and 31st minute, thanks to Salah, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Mane.

If City felt they could pull it back in the second-half, they were in for another surprise as Liverpool's defensive guard led by Virgil van Dijk stood as firm as a wall and did not allow Guardiola's team to have a sniff at goal.

Such a dominating performance against the tournament favourites is arguably the best display of the season so far. The Reds went on to survive another onslaught at Etihad in the second leg before scoing twice in the second-half to put the game to bed.

The quality, bravery and passion shown by the team in the first leg was a sign that the Merseyside club were ready to return to the big time and it should serve as a warning for Madrid.

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Thus, these five games highlight that Liverpool bring out their A-game when the stakes are high this season. Also, the English side as well as their manager thrive as underdogs and Zidane's men should be wary of the same.

In the end, this year's winner will all come down to which of the two teams manage the game better. Madrid will have to handle the Liverpool blitz while the Reds have to make their moments count - an enticing final is on the cards.