Real Madrid vs Liverpool: 5 key battles to watch out for | UEFA Champions League

Real Madrid v Liverpool
Real Madrid v Liverpool

#3 Benzema vs Fabinho

Benzema is Real Madrid's leading goal scorer this season
Benzema is Real Madrid's leading goal scorer this season

Liverpool will be without several key central defenders, including Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez, meaning Fabinho could be tasked with handling the threat of Real Madrid’s in-form striker Karim Benzema.

The Frenchman has played the role of the leading goalscorer for Real Madrid this season, scoring 18 goals and making six assists in 25 league games so far.

He has contributed a whopping 47% of Real Madrid’s goal in the La Liga and has scored five goals in six Champions League games.

Should Real Madrid take something from the game, the 33-year-old will be one of the key players. However, he will go up against Fabinho, who has been impressive at the heart of Liverpool’s defense in the absence of the regular centre-backs.


#4 Luka Modric vs Thiago Alcantara

Luka Modric has been brilliant for Real Madrid once again
Luka Modric has been brilliant for Real Madrid once again

Luka Modric turns 36 in September, but has shown no signs of slowing down as he continues to dazzle in the center of the park for Real Madrid.

He has scored three goals and created three assists in the league and has been vital in the Los Blancos’ title challenge.

Thiago Alcantara, meanwhile, has struggled to fully fit into the Liverpool setup since making his move from Bayern Munich.

However, during his time with the Bundesliga champions, he proved he can do it on the biggest stage after inspiring the Bavarian’s to a rare sextuple.

Both players are known for performing in the biggest games, and this will be one battle to watch out for.


#5 Toni Kroos vs Georginio Wijnaldum

Wijnaldum has been Liverpool's best midfielder
Wijnaldum has been Liverpool's best midfielder

This is the second midfield battle in the game as both teams have some of the finest midfield generals in Europe.

Toni Kroos, in particular, has stamped his name as one of the best midfielders in Europe and has been influential in Real Madrid’s recent success.

The German international has continued his impressive performances this season, scoring two goals and providing eight assists in the La Liga for Zinedine Zidane’s men.

Meanwhile, Liverpool’s Georginio Wijnaldum has been Liverpool’s most consistent performer this season. The 30-year-old has featured in all of Liverpool’s 30 league games this season and has been impressive so far.

His adept reading of the game and the ease with which he glides through the opposition's midfield makes him a valuable asset to Jurgen Klopp.

While he is not one to make a telling impact in front of goal, his defensive contributions have been outstanding as he provides an extra defensive shield for the Liverpool midfield.

His duel with Toni Kroos will be one to watch out for as both players can play huge roles that will ultimately determine the result.

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Edited by Diptanil