Real Madrid to take on Liverpool in UCL clash

Defending champions Real Madrid will clash with Liverpool in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League's Round of 16 clash at Anfield on Wednesday.

This is the first time that the Los Blancos will be taking on the Reds since their last high-octane clash during the grand finale of the Champions League at the Stade de France on May 28, 2022.

After defeating the English Premier League side by 1-0 in the final thanks to a goal from Vinicius Junior, Real Madrid extended their record of winning the UCL. Carlo Ancelotti's side have clinched the prestigious silverware a record 14 times.

Ahead of the clash, manager Ancelotti said: "The team is in good shape, keen and eager to do well like last year, knowing that it is a difficult tie and that there is a second leg to come. We are excited to be back in this competition again. Last season's final in Paris brings back good memories. It was an even game."

Meanwhile, the Reds' boss, Jurgen Klopp stated: "We need to play two super games to go through. Madrid doesn't need to play special and they still have a chance. I'm really happy we can play this game now rather than a few weeks ago. I expect Anfield on their toes. Let's go together again."

However, some stars of the game will, unfortunately, miss the blockbuster clash.

Real Madrid will not feature Toni Kroos, Ferland Mendy, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Mariano Diaz. Due to exhaustion, French striker Karim Benzema is also not certain to participate.

On the other hand, Luis Diaz and Thiago Alcantara of Liverpool will be unable to face Real Madrid. Darwin Nunez has a shoulder issue, and Ibrahima Konate has a hamstring injury, making both players questionable for the Reds.

But Nunez had returned to train with the players and might play against the Spanish giants.

The match will kick off at 01:00 am (PST) on Wednesday.

Fixtures for this week:

Liverpool vs Real Madrid - 01:00 am (PST) Wednesday 

Eintracht Frankfurt vs Napoli - 01:00 am (PST) Wednesday

Leipzig vs Manchester City - 01:00 am (PST) Thursday

Inter Milan vs Porto -  01:00 am (PST) Thursday

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