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UEFA Champions League: Liverpool vs Real Madrid Preview

Written by Damien Kayat for @Hollywoodbets.


Liverpool vs Real Madrid | Wednesday 22 October | Anfield | 20:45

The cathedral that is Anfield on a European night is a topic of near poetic lamentation for Reds supporters the world over. The fact that Real Madrid are the most decorated club in European football makes Wednesday night’s fixture all the more tantalising for Scouser scribes. Between them, Liverpool and Real Madrid have a massive fifteen European Championships, and who can forget the magnificent dismantling of Madrid in 2009? Yet, Liverpool have not won a domestic league title in over twenty years and still hang on to this vainglorious notion of equality with the Madrids and Barcelonas of the world. This could be the night to set that record straight.

To Win (90mins)
Liverpool 33/10
Draw 27/10
Real Madrid 8/10

Liverpool
Brendan Rodgers seems to me to be a man short on ideas and high on self delusion in the wake of last season’s efforts. Although I can’t exactly endorse Luis Suarez’s decision to exult in his own personal contribution to Liverpool’s campaign last season, you can’t help but agree that the man has a major point. And what of the ‘talent’ that has been brought in to allay these fears? The less said about the lugubrious Mario Balotelli the better. His unwillingness to make runs and contribute to general play, leaving his side hamstrung by his shoot on sight approach, should surely have been foreseen by a manager that fashions his side on constant mobility and fluidity (just think of Andy Carroll’s swift exit).

Liverpool have been awful at set pieces and were very fortunate to scrape by a dire QPR side on the weekend. Mignolet continues to flap needlessly while Steven Gerrard is constantly battling for relevance in a game that is moving beyond him rapier pass by pass. The fact that Bale is set to miss the match will offer some solace to the midfield, but just look at the sheer depth of Real Madrid’s attacking talent. Rodgers may very well bring Joe Allen in to partner Gerrard and Henderson, but I can’t see these players coping with the likes of Ronaldo and Rodriguez, however loudly the Kop sings their names. Rodgers will need to drop his ideals, get his men behind the ball, and try to exploit Sterling’s pace on the counterattack. But Rodgers seems dead-set on playing his way, which could prove disastrous for the Reds.

Real Madrid
We all know that the Welsh maestro Gareth Bale will not take part this week. We also can attest to the fact that Real Madrid are hardly the most defensively sound team in Europe; Raphael Varane should however be back to replace the ticking time bomb that is Pepe. But in Cristiano Ronaldo they have the most ruthless goal-getter in world football (note, Lionel Messi is still the world’s best player in my opinion). His pace and power should devastate the Liverpool defence while the twin midfield intricacies of Isco and Modric should outmanoeuvre and outclass Liverpool’s turgid midfield.

Real Madrid will invite Liverpool’s insistence on possession football and dynamism – particularly in this tricky away fixture. They have a plethora of pace and passing accuracy that can launch lightning quick counterattacks in the matter of seconds. This will put Mignolet – whose positioning in covering counterattacks has been called into question a few times this season – under enormous pressure to make the correct decisions at all times. Additionally, Liverpool have been awful at set pieces, an area where Ramos and Varane can cause plenty of problems. This could be a tough night for the Reds.

VERDICT: Real Madrid 8/10
There is a surprising amount of value on offer in backing the heavily favoured Madrid, with only Sterling seemingly poised to present any real issues for the Spaniards. Perhaps a more interesting option would be to wager on a goal extravaganza, for those looking to take home some real bacon. Neither side has a stout defence, which should see both teams concede, while Real Madrid have the entire armada in attack. It may be worth going for the Over 4.5 goals option at 3/1, in what should be a goal fest that will favour the Spanish Galacticos. That is for the brave punters. The Madrid win at 8/10 is also tipped to come through.  

The man knows his football, but even he gets it wrong from time to time. Feel free to share your view below.

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