Real Madrid – Liverpool: No Miracle In Madrid (1-0)

Liverpool would need a perfect performance to perform the improbable. Their display would not go down in the archives, failing to roll back the years and test their European kryptonite.

Tactical analysis and match report by Emmanuel Adeyemi-Abere.

Real Madrid have stayed true to their two distinct faces between competitions. Two stalemates and a defeat in their last six fixtures in LaLiga have opened the gap at the top of the table to nine points in favor of Barcelona, also sitting on a goal lead over their rivals in their Copa del Rey tie. But nothing seems to shake their confidence on the Champions League stage. A five goal haul without reply away at one of the most iconic grounds in football has placed them in command of their European destiny.

Liverpool have endured their fair share of frustrations. A rampant 7-0 rout of Manchester United at Anfield reminded everyone of how ruthless this outfit can be. A 1-0 loss to Bournemouth in their latest league fixture depicted how erratic their form has become. Yet, the hunt for a spot in the top four remains . . .