5 things Liverpool need to do against Real Madrid in the second leg | UEFA Champions League 2020-21

Real Madrid v Liverpool FC - UEFA Champions League Quarter Final: Leg One
Real Madrid v Liverpool FC - UEFA Champions League Quarter Final: Leg One

#3 Ensure that the full-backs attack Real Madrid judiciously

Liverpool v Brighton & Hove Albion - Premier League
Liverpool v Brighton & Hove Albion - Premier League

Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson have arguably been the best full-back pairing in Europe over the past two seasons, with the Liverpool duo giving Jurgen Klopp the best of both worlds with their ability on the flanks. However, against a side as experienced as Real Madrid, they will need to be wary of the counter-attacking threat posed by the visitors.

Both players played important roles in Liverpool's last-gasp victory against Aston Villa, as they left it late to salvage all three points. While Robertson's shot was parried onto Mohamed Salah's path for the equalizer, Alexander-Arnold's magnificent strike proved to be the winner for the Reds in stoppage time.

Against Real Madrid, though, the Liverpool full-backs will need to concentrate for 90 minutes and try to keep a clean sheet. If the Reds concede on the night, they will need to score at least three goals to have hopes of making it through to the semifinals.

Never say never in football, but judging by Liverpool's form in 2021, they are unlikely to score three home goals against a champion side like Real Madrid.


#2 Be wary of the threat posed by Vinicius Jr

Real Madrid v Liverpool FC - UEFA Champions League Quarter Final: Leg One
Real Madrid v Liverpool FC - UEFA Champions League Quarter Final: Leg One

Vinicius Jr's talent was always clear, but the Brazilian's end product and decision-making in the final third often let him down. However, in recent weeks, the explosive winger has been in stunning form for Real Madrid and seems to have finally come of age for Los Blancos.

The 20-year-old was the star of the show in the first leg, as he scored two goals on either side of half-time to put his side in pole position. Vinicius ran Liverpool ragged and produced arguably his best display in a Real Madrid shirt, as he repaid Zinedine Zidane's trust in him.

Liverpool will need to work as a team to keep him quiet on the night, as he is likely to devastate most players in 1v1 situations if he's on song.


#1 Start a front 4 of Jota, Mane, Firmino and Salah

Arsenal v Liverpool - Premier League
Arsenal v Liverpool - Premier League

Liverpool need to score a minimum of two goals to stand a chance of making it through to the UEFA Champions League semifinals, so Klopp could be tempted to go all guns blazing at Anfield. While Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane have been underwhelming this season, Diogo Jota and Mohamed Salah have produced the goods regularly in front of goal.

Last week, Firmino had to settle for a place on the bench, as Jota spearheaded the Liverpool attack. The Reds lacked cohesion in the absence of the Brazilian, who returned to the team and produced a lively performance against Aston Villa.

Klopp's exciting front four were all on the pitch when they beat Arsenal 3-0 earlier this month, as Diogo Jota came off the bench to score a brace for the reigning Premier League champions. The German tactician might be tempted to change formation and play all four of them against a depleted Real Madrid side, with Firmino playing deeper as a #10.

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Edited by Vishal Subramanian
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