A meeting of the 3rd most successful and most successful sides in the history of the Champions League should be a delight for every football fan, but the only meeting between these two European stalwarts was a damp squib of a final in 1981, which Liverpool won 1-0. I hope and pray the 2009 last 16 ties between these great clubs proves otherwise.
This match pits two teams of contrasting fortunes against each other, Real Madrid are most certainly on the up thanks to Juande Ramos and Liverpool in a relative crisis thanks to Rafa Benitez. A finely balanced tie awaits. Real were in turmoil before the former Spurs boss took over, but since then he has led them to 9 consecutive wins, conceding only 2 paltry goals and given the Madrid faithful renewed hope in the race for La Liga, only two weeks ago Barcelona were 12 points clear but that lead is now 7 points. The wind of change and optimism is blowing a gale in the Spanish capital.
The defensive frailties that were so often exposed during the opening months of the season have been discarded, Fabio Cannavaro looks imperious and back to his 2006 best, Pepe alongside him is fast, strong, has great awareness and is excellent in the tackle, even erasing those frequent lapses of concentration. Sergio Ramos on the right can dominate a game from his position, great going forward and masterly in defence. The left back slot is a problem area Benitez may look to exploit, as Gabriel Heinze, Marcelo and Drenthe look ill at ease when playing to Cannavaro's left.
Lassana Diarra has been breathtaking since his move from Portsmouth, filling the void left by Claude Makelele with consummate ease, doing the job of a ‘water carrier' and winning the ball for Wesley Sneijder, Gonzalo Higuain and Arjen Robben to wreak havoc. Raul, breaking records in every game he plays it seems will be looking to add to his impressive tally of 64 Champions League goals. A menace Liverpool will ignore at their peril.
Going into this game, Steven Gerrard is a doubt for Liverpool, although in the squad he is carrying a hamstring injury. I however, have no doubts that he will play, at least some part, given his importance to the side. Fernando Torres is another match winner and it will be vital to Liverpool that both are involved. Dirk Kuyt has also proved that when the Champions League calls he is there to answer, doing so on a number of occasions.
Having witnessed Liverpool play a major part on this competition in recent years, I feel this may be a game to far. They have practically gift wrapped Manchester United the title and after a disappointing performance against the blue half of Manchester, I can see this dent in confidence affecting them. Along with Rafa's contract ‘negotiations' the club is not as stable as it should be going into such an important game. They have lost momentum at such a vital stage of the season, but never write them off.
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