Champions League stats and tips, Liverpool vs Real Madrid: Klopp hopeful on Nunez fitness
- Matty Briggs
- 21 February 2023
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is hopeful forward Darwin Nunez will be fit to face Real Madrid in their Champions League last-16 first leg at Anfield. Check out our key stats and suggested bets.
The Uruguay international scored in the win over Newcastle at the weekend but was forced off with a shoulder injury.
"There is a chance, from all the possible scenarios, apart from being absolutely nothing," said Klopp.
"We have to see how he can deal with the pain and after that make a decision."
Liverpool only faced Madrid in the final in Paris last May, losing 1-0, and in all six meetings between the two since 2014 Real have won five and drawn one.
"It is one of the biggest games in the world and the recent history and it will be a top game," added Klopp.
"I am really happy we play it now. Four weeks ago it would have been different, but life is all about timing and maybe we found back our feet in time.
"Now we have these two results (Premier League wins over Everton and Newcastle) and hopefully we can build on that but now we need to play two super games.
"If we don't play our best we don't have a chance. Real Madrid doesn't have to play their best and still have a chance."
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti believes Vinicius Jr is fully focused on football despite being targeted with racist abuse, and backed him to show his quality against Liverpool.
The Brazil international, who has scored three goals in his last three meetings with Klopp's side - including the winner in May's Champions League final - has found himself the subject of sickening insults in Spain.
It has included a mannequin wearing the player's shirt being hung from a bridge outside Madrid's training ground last month.
But Ancelotti has backed the 22-year-old to overcome the abuse and elevate himself into the top echelon of world football.
"I hope they are working on this the people that have to be involved in this," said Ancelotti.
"I think racism is a really serious topic, there is no law that can change the behaviour of an individual person.
"You can only change people through culture, a common purpose and feeling of humanity. Don't blame Spain for this, it happened in every country.
"Vini is managing really well, he is focused on the game and loves to play football and this doesn't affect on the pitch.
"When games are important we see the best of him and it is obviously going to be a big game.
"At the moment it is wonderful to be watching Vinicius as every football fan likes his quality.
"They like to see Pedri, Gavi, (Kylian) Mbappe - Vinicius is up there with these players and we can enjoy quality players like that."
Key stats
Real Madrid have kept a clean sheet in their last three away matches against Liverpool in all competitions
Real Madrid have won five of their last six matches against Liverpool in all competitions
Liverpool have won their last two games without conceding a goal
Liverpool have lost just one of their 11 home games in the PL
Real Madrid have lost just once in their last 10 games in all competitions
Real Madrid have won their last four games in all competitions
Suggested bets
Liverpool vs Real Madrid BTTS
Liverpool vs Real Madrid to draw
