The recent form of Real Madrid has not been great but not as bad as Liverpool. Ancelotti’s team have fallen 11 points behind Xavi in the La Liga title race after losing the Spanish Super Cup final to Barcelona. However, they played one less game because they were at the Club World Cup and Los Blancos won the competition.
Liverpool, Real Madrid’s opponents in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16, are far worse off. Instead of challenging for the Premier League title, Jurgen Klopp’s side sits at 10th in the standings. It has been a difficult start to the year for Liverpool. Real Madrid will be considered heavy favorites in the Round of 16 ties between the two teams, therefore.
Major setback for Liverpool as Thiago is out for weeks
It appears that Klopp’s team will also be without a key player. After picking up a hip injury this week, Liverpool fears Thiago Alcantara will miss four weeks. Thiago will be out of the Real Madrid vs Liverpool Round of 16 ties if he misses four weeks of action. It may also be a race against time to get fit for the second leg.
This Liverpool side would not be the same without Thiago. For them, his injury is a major blow, especially at this point when they have been struggling.
Whenever the two sides have met in Europe, Real Madrid has won. As with last time, Los Blancos are favorites to go through as well, although Klopp’s side cannot be underestimated. On their day, they are capable of surprising the world with quality players.
Will Real Madrid maintain their streak against Liverpool or Klopp’s team bounce back this time remains to be seen?
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