Liverpool FC-Real Madrid Preview: The ''Beatles City'' Miracle

Real Madrid will try to avoid his fifth consecutive early UEFA Champions League elimination tomorrow, when they take on the Liverpool FC at Anfield Road. The Spanish Team has to overcome the 0-1 of the first leg.

Real comes off a home tie to the Atletico Madrid which ended its 10 games winning streak in La Liga.

Another tactical battle is expected for this game. Rafa Benitez and Juande Ramos, who combined for six European titles, will propose a slow and controlled matchup, with lot of midfield game and destructive football.

Arguably, Liverpool has advantage in this part of the field. Xavi Alonso, Javier Mascherano and Steven Gerrard, who missed the first leg, should be able to dominate the game, and dismantle Real’s offensive production.

I think that Real is going to have lot of troubles building the game again against this disciplined midfield.

The main aim for Real is scoring a single goal. In my opinion, the overtime is a good solution for them at this point. It is tough to surprise Benitez’s guys, and Real should have to make an early statement.

They have to build some momentum and get the crowd off the game. Real’s most dangerous offensive threat will be the captain, Raul. With Ruud Van Nistelrooy done for the year and Arjen Robben no at his peak, Madrid’s fans trust the eternal Raul for another magical night.

Liverpool’s defense looked impressive at Madrid, and Real will have to bring something new to the table in order to surprise them. It will be the perfect day for guys such as Gonzalo Higüain to step up.

Robben also has been a non-factor during the last month. Liverpool doubled-team he during the whole night at Madrid, as he wasn’t able to make plays. Real need all his weapons for tomorrow, and that includes the best version of Robben.

On the other hand, Fernando Torres is expected to play tomorrow. Containing him and Steven Gerrard will be the biggest challenge for Pepe and Real’s defense. We must not forget that Torres played severally limited in the first leg due to an ankle injury; however he was able to be a factor in the first half of the game. Tomorrow his speed is going to be a factor.

Absolutely.

Liverpool is going to search him and he is going to challenge his defenders. Torres is a big time scorer (He has always scored in UCL second leg games with Liverpool) and I think that he is going to be the man again.

In conclusion, I think that Real has its biggest challenge of the season tomorrow. They failed in the first leg and in my opinion they are going to struggle again at Anfield. Liverpool has deeper experience, is built to face this type of games and the environment will lead them to advance through the next round.

Benitez’s mind will be so much for Juande Ramos and the disciplined Liverpool will be so much for this hearted although overrated Real Madrid.