In March 2009, Liverpool experienced an unforgettable evening as they defeated Real Madrid 4-0 to advance to the quarterfinals of the Champions League.
The Reds’ most memorable moment was the last time they defeated the Spanish titans, as they failed to win any of the last eight matches between the two, a winless streak that spanned 15 years.
However, on Wednesday, Liverpool will host Real Madrid at Anfield in what they may perceive as their most promising opportunity to conclude the lengthy lack of success and maintain Arne Slot’s impressive start.
Liverpool’s transition from Jurgen Klopp to Slot could not have been more successful.
Reds flying but Real stuttering
The Dutchman has them at the summit of the Premier League, and they have also been at the top of the pile in the Champions League since the beginning of this week.
They have won all four of their games in Europe thus far, scoring 10 goals and conceding only one.
This is in stark contrast to the manner in which Real Madrid initiated its campaigns in both the Champions League and La Liga.
Last season, Carlo Ancelotti’s team emerged victorious in both competitions. However, they are currently ranked second in their domestic league and began the week as the 18th team in the Champions League’s league phase.
Three of their four games in Europe have been played at home Where they have defeated Stuttgart and Borussia Dortmund with ease. However, their most recent match against AC Milan resulted in a 3-1 loss. One positive development for Liverpool is that their sole away encounter thus far was against Lille, who emerged victorious with a 1-0 score.
Mbappe yet to find best form
Real Madrid made a significant statement this summer by signing Kylian Mbappe, the sensation forward from France.
The striker concluded a six-year tenure at Paris St. Germain, during which he achieved an extraordinary record of 256 goals in only 308 appearances across all competitions.
He has scored eight goals in 16 games for Real Madrid, including one in La Liga on Sunday. However, only one of those goals was scored in the Champions League, a 3-1 victory over Stuttgart on September 17.
Since then, he has failed to score in matches against Lille, Dortmund, and Milan. Additionally, he failed to register a point in the inaugural El Clasico of the season, which Barcelona won 4-0.
The position in which Mbappe is being requested to play is a contributing factor to his difficulties.
At Paris Saint-Germain, he was predominantly deployed on the left wing; however, at Real Madrid, he is predominantly deployed as a central striker.
Guillem Balague, a Spanish football expert, stated on BBC Radio 5 Live’s Euro Leagues podcast, “I do not believe he is enjoying the tasks he is assigned to perform; however, he is obligated to do so.”
“He has transitioned from receiving the ball every time he made a run in behind at PSG to now convincing his team-mates that he is the one who deserves it, and it has not yet occurred.”
“You’ve got the talent but the click hasn’t arrived.”
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