5 key battles in Wednesday’s Champions League match between Liverpool and Real Madrid…
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Liverpool will be searching for a result in their Champions League match with Real Madrid on Wednesday night. Having lost to Basel in their last game, Liverpool need to get something out of the game in order to keep their qualification hopes alive. Here are five key battles that the Reds will have to win if they are to secure some points against the awe inspiring Galacticos.
5) Cristiano Ronaldo v Glen Johnson
Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 15 goals in just La Liga so far this season. Glen Johnson is an ageing right-back who is only just settling back in to the side following injury. Even with this looking a quite one sided match up, Johnson is going to have to put in a big performance against the Portuguese if Liverpool are to have a chance.
4) Mario Balotelli v Sergio Ramos
Mario Balotelli has not had the best of starts to his Liverpool career, with one goal against Ludogorets his only return so far. However with Sturridge injured and Borini not exactly up to much, it will be down to Balotelli to try and get past a Real Madrid defence led by Spain’s multi-capped star Sergio Ramos. Liverpool will be hoping the Italian does a bit better than he did against QPR on the weekend.
3) Toni Kroos v Steven Gerrard
This could be Steven Gerrard’s toughest night since he moved to a deeper role in Liverpool’s midfield. Toni Kroos is one of the best midfielders on the planet. If Liverpool are going to have chance against Madrid, then Gerrard is going to have to keep him quiet throughout the 90 minutes.
2) James Rodriguez v Jordan Henderson
James Rodriguez is another one who Liverpool are going to have to try and contain. Jordan Henderson is likely to be given the job of attempting to stop the Colombian star. His tireless running will be crucial in this match, with the England midfielder hoping that he will be able to keep up with the playmaker for the full 90.
1) Martin Skrtel v Karim Benzema
We come to the end of this list with possibly the most important battle of them all. Even if Liverpool manage to keep Real Madrid’s incredible midfield quiet and Mario Balotelli decides to play well, it won’t matter if Benzema shows up the weaknesses that even Bobby Zamora exploited on Sunday. Skrtel will have to keep a watch on the Frenchman, because if he gets free for even a second, he’ll put one in the net.