Real Madrid vs. Liverpool: Key Takeaways from Carlo Ancelotti's Pre-Game Presser

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has defended Mario Balotelli ahead of the Spanish side's Champions League clash with Liverpool.

Balotelli has been heavily criticised for a run of poor performances since joining the club, which has seen him score two goals in cup competitions and draw a blank in eight Premier League matches, per WhoScored.com.

Liverpool have struggled since the summer exit of Luis Suarez, accumulating just 14 points from 10 Premier League matches, with Balotelli taking the brunt condemnation from detractors. 

Ancelotti suggests this is unfair and that Brendan Rodgers has more to worry about than the Italian striker, reported by AS and via Dermot Corrigan of ESPN FC:

Alex Livesey/Getty Images

Balotelli was internally punished after swapping shirts with Pepe when the two sides initially met in October. Rodgers hauled the striker off at half-time after an anonymous Anfield performance, something Ancelotti wouldn't replicate, per Corrigan:

Squawka highlighted Balotelli's disappointing night:

The enigmatic striker recently scored in Liverpool's 2-1 Capital One Cup win over Swansea, but was unable to help the side during the goalless draw with Hull and loss to Newcastle. His lack of movement and inability to link with team-mates—having completed just 72.7 percent of his passes in the domestic division so far, per WhoScored—emphasises Liverpool's problems heading into the Bernabeu date.

Alex Livesey/Getty Images

Madrid easily exploited the side's other downfalls during their 3-0 win on Merseyside. Rodgers' team faded after a fast start and were quickly out-battled in midfield. Steven Gerrard couldn't get his foot on the ball, while Jordan Henderson's energy saw him leave gaps for the likes of James Rodriguez and Isco to exploit.

Cristiano Ronaldo was able to isolate Glen Johnson, regularly beat him, and directly approach Martin Skrtel and Dejan Lovren, whose lack of pace left the Reds struggling. Simon Mignolet flapped from corners—unaided by his defenders—allowing Madrid to establish a three-goal lead and take their foot off the pace after the break.

The European champions were perhaps less ruthless than they could have been due to the Clasico fixture, which approached after their trip to England. Madrid won this, too, en route to their current run of 11 consecutive victories, per WhoScored.

Alex Livesey/Getty Images

Ancelotti's team have rapidly improved over recent weeks and are finally seeing the best of Isco. Gareth Bale's absence is allowing the Spaniard to impress, noted by Ancelotti and via Corrigan:

Isco is destined to be a key player when Liverpool visit the Spanish capital. His control and energy defined a smart team showing at Anfield, but it's likely Ancelotti will be looking to hammer home a greater score in front of Madrid's home fans.

Balotelli is likely to feature and could make himself a Liverpool legend if he inspires the team to three points. His output is the easiest to target of Rodgers' many dilemmas. However, after such a disappointing run, the onus will soon turn to the manager who has failed to learn from his tactical mistakes this campaign.