Liverpool get Real Madrid in Uefa Champions League knockout
TOPSHOT - Real Madrid's Brazilian forward Vinicius Junior (L) scores the opening goal past Liverpool's Brazilian goalkeeper Alisson Becker during the UEFA Champions League final football match between Liverpool and Real Madrid at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, north of Paris, on May 28, 2022. (Photo by Thomas COEX / AFP)
The 2022/23 Uefa Champions League season has reached the knockout stages and the first phase of the elimination series will witness intriguing contests with a repeat of last season’s finals on show.
Real Madrid will begin a serious defence of their title with a trip to England to take on Liverpool in a repeat of the match at Stade de France in May 2022. Liverpool will have so much to do if they are to advance. The Reds are faltering in the Premier League but put up a stunning show in Europe and despite missing out on a first place in their group, they beat group winners Napoli 2-0 on the final day. That could be a big statement ahead of the knockout.
Carlo Ancelotti’s men will not underrate their English opponents and despite a good start in La Liga, the reigning European champions drew with Shakhtar Donetsk before losing to RB Leipzig in the penultimate match of the group stages. They recovered to thrash Celtic 5-1 on the final day but it has not been a convincing run in Europe and despite them leading in La Liga and winning their group, they are yet to fire on all cylinders this season.
The meeting between these two would be an interesting fixture when the league resumes next year and fans definitely will be ready to enjoy the entertainment. The first leg is on February 14 at Anfield and the return leg is on March 7 at the Santiago Bernabeu.
