Real Madrid vs. Liverpool: Key Issues and Decisions That Will Shape UCL Game
Real Madrid and Liverpool are currently poles apart as they prepare for Tuesday night's Champions League meeting at the Bernabeu.
Carlo Ancelotti's side are on an 11-game winning streak and head into the match against Brendan Rodgers' men fresh from a 4-0 win away at Granada.
Meanwhile, Liverpool's defeat at Newcastle was the latest blow to an already frustrating season.
They've lost four out of 10 games in the Premier League and have won just once in their three European outings.
That form in Europe has left the Reds on just three points, tied with Basel and Ludogorets and six points away from group leaders Madrid.
It looks like being a three-way shootout for second spot, so Liverpool would welcome anything in the Spanish capital.
Here are the key issues and decisions which could shape the game.
Liverpool's Mediocre Defending
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In total, 13 goals have been leaked in Liverpool's 10 league games, and there are no signs that Brendan Rodgers has used the money from Luis Suarez's sale to strengthen his defence.
Dejan Lovren arrived for a substantial amount from Southampton, but the same problems still persist.
At least last season Suarez and Daniel Sturridge were quite good and saving their defenders' blushes.
In the first meeting between these two sides at Anfield a couple of weeks ago, all of Liverpool's defensive frailties were on show as they conceded three first-half goals.
Glen Johnson looked especially susceptible up against Cristiano Ronaldo and Marcelo on Real Madrid's left.
A repeat performance from Liverpool on Tuesday night will surely signal another Champions League defeat.
Can Madrid Be Stopped?
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Even if Liverpool can produce their best performance of the season at the back, it's still a tough task to halt this rampant Real side.
Four more goals and a win against Granada on Saturday carried them on to 11 straight wins in all competitions, during which they've averaged more than four goals a game.
Cristiano Ronaldo hasn't stopped scoring and Karim Benzema is in his best form as a Madrid player.
Isco has seamlessly stepped into the side in Gareth Bale's absence—although the Welshman has returned to the squad for the match against Liverpool—and James Rodriguez is beginning to look at home.
Above all, Carlo Ancelotti has created a system which is getting the best out of all of his players.
Brendan Rodgers may be able to get his men motivated for their away day in the Spanish capital, but that might not be enough.
Balotelli and Sterling
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Liverpool's other underperforming players must be happy to have Mario Balotelli about.
The Italian is currently taking all the stick for the team's poor run of form, while players such as goalkeeper Simon Mignolet and defender Dejan Lovren fly under the radar.
However, despite all the criticism, Balotelli still remains a dangerous player and one who Madrid will not underestimate.
He's turned up for big games before—like Italy's win over Germany in the Euro 2012 semifinal—and will be keen to make an impression at the Bernabeu.
Alongside him will be Raheem Sterling, who has so often been Liverpool's only threat this season.
If the Reds are to get a result at the White House, they'll need these two to dazzle.
Pressure on Kroos and Modric
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With so many attackers in such great form, it's easy to forget the damage Real Madrid can do from deep.
Pay too much attention to Ronaldo and friends, and you'll end up getting stung by Carlo Ancelotti's pass-masters, Luka Modric and Toni Kroos.
Teams may still find ways to exploit them defensively, but in the run of 11 straight wins, they have been able to stamp their mark on this Madrid side.
Whichever players Rodgers opts for in the middle of the park on Tuesday—Joe Allen, Steven Gerrard, Jordan Henderson, Emre Can—they will have to make sure they don't let Modric and Kroos control the game.
If they do, it could be another long evening for the English side.
A Win Away from the Last 16
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The season is a long one and every little counts when it comes to keeping your players fresh.
Real Madrid welcome Liverpool to the Bernabeu with the knowledge that a win not only places them in the last 16 of the Champions League, but it will almost ensure them top spot.
Three points would leave them nine clear of Tuesday's opponents with six to play for, and a draw in the game between Ludogorets and Basel would guarantee first place for the European champions.
That would mean Carlo Ancelotti would be able to take the final two group games easy—a home contest against the Bulgarians and the trip to Switzerland.
It’s as good a reason as any to make sure they don’t lose their winning run against Liverpool.
