Real Madrid’s players are said to be’satisfied’ with their Champions League last 16 draw, which will see them face Liverpool in a rematch of last season’s final, as Jurgen Klopp’s Anfield stars seek revenge on Los Blancos.
The two-leg tie, which will be played in February when European competition resumes, is arguably the standout match in a draw that also included Paris Saint-Germain and fellow heavyweights Bayern Munich.
The Reds were defeated 1-0 by Real Madrid in the May final in Paris, which was overshadowed by crowd problems before the game, which saw kick-off delayed by more than 30 minutes due to French police tear-gassing Liverpool supporters on their way into the stadium.
Vinicius Jr’s opener just before the hour mark was enough to secure the trophy for Real Madrid, who will now face Liverpool for the second time in a year.
From the perspective of Real Madrid, the draw has been met with satisfaction, according to Spanish broadcaster Jose Luis Sanchez.
He claimed on El Chiringuito TV that the Real Madrid dressing room is happy with their fate and believes the draw is fair.
Given that they appear to have Liverpool’s number in the competition, having also defeated them in the quarter-finals the previous season (2020/21) – it goes without saying that Klopp’s side will be regarded as the underdogs.
Nonetheless, it’s a challenge Liverpool will relish, given the difficulties they’ve encountered this season as they battle their way back into the Premier League’s top four.
Liverpool appeared to have turned their season around after winning back-to-back home games against Manchester City and West Ham.
Real Madrid director Emilio Butragueno is well aware that this will be a difficult test for his team, telling Movistar: “We’ll play in February against a champion club in a stadium that pushes a lot of people; it’ll be a tough opponent, but we’re Real Madrid.
“It’s a rematch of the previous final. They are two historically significant teams. Fans can expect an electrifying and fascinating tie. We’re going to live it up to the fullest.
“Logically, we are the champion team, and we will try to defend that position while keeping in mind the opponent we will face.”
