Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool face Real Madrid in the Champions League (Picture: Getty)
Robbie Keane has backed Liverpool to dump Real Madrid out of the Champions League and go on to win the competition for the second time in five years.
Liverpool will be hoping for a better outcome at Anfield on Tuesday night having lost their last four encounters against Real Madrid, including the 2018 and 2022 Champions League finals.
Jurgen Klopp’s side endured a poor start to the 2022-23 season, slipping to 11th in the Premier League with just eight wins from 20 games.
But Liverpool’s recent performances have been encouraging, with the Reds beating Everton in the Merseyside derby and then defeating top-four rivals Newcastle United at St James’ Park.
Real Madrid, meanwhile, have won 16 of their 22 league games this season but have nevertheless fallen eight points behind La Liga leaders Barcelona.
‘They are not in great form in the Premier League, but I really believe Liverpool have an opportunity to go and win the Champions League,’ former Premier League striker Keane told Betway.
‘Can they do it while underperforming domestically? Absolutely. The way they play certainly suits the Champions League and they have shown their quality in Europe over the past few years.
Robbie Keane had a brief spell at Anfield during his playing days (Picture: Getty)
‘Looking at them and Chelsea, neither of them have suddenly become bad teams. Liverpool were runners-up last season and Chelsea won the competition the year before.
‘Sometimes when you’re not doing so well in the league, a different competition is good for a team. It gives them a welcome change and can give a team a different mindset. That could be the case this year.
‘Of course, Real Madrid are a difficult hurdle to get past for Liverpool. They have won five of the last nine Champions Leagues, while Carlo Ancelotti has won four as a manager. They have experience and knowhow in abundance.
‘But the Reds can still make a success of this season.’
Liverpool boss Klopp, meanwhile, says the prospect of revenge is not on his mind as the Reds prepare to face Real Madrid yet again in the Champions League.
‘With the recent history, it will be a top football game and I’m really happy we can play now,’ Klopp said.
‘Four weeks ago it would have been different – but life is all about timing and maybe we found our feet at the right time.
‘We need to play a super game – two super games. I have no problem with that. If you don’t play your best, you don’t have a chance. Real Madrid don’t have to play their best and still have a chance. That’s the difference.’
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It’s a tough ask for Liverpool…
