Real Madrid are scheduled to lock horns with Liverpool in the Quarter-Finals of the UEFA Champions League at the Alfredo de Stefano Stadium on Tuesday evening. The hosts made their way to this stage of the competition after outclassing Serie A’s Atalanta. Liverpool, on the other hand, were drawn with RB Leipzig and emerged 4-0 winners on aggregate.
Los Blancos will be aiming to make their way to the semifinals after failing to achieve the same in their past two endeavours. It is also a crucial game for Zidane’s men with the La Liga title race being narrowly contested by Atletico Madrid and Barcelona.
With the first leg scheduled at Real Madrid’s den, the pressure is on Zidane & Co. to mount the pressure on Klopp’s team from the first whistle to the last tomorrow evening. The 4th Official lists out two things Real Madrid need to ensure in order to secure a victory against Liverpool –
Zidane’s Full Proof Plan For Liverpool
Keeping Things Tight At The Back
Liverpool possess one of the best-attacking lines in Europe and it goes without saying that Real Madrid will find it an uphill task to tackle them without the presence of Sergio Ramos in their back-line. Zidane will need to keep things extremely tight at the back. The gaffer has often resorted to a five-man back-line in recent weeks and it seems like a viable option against a Liverpool side that can break loose at will. Adding further misery to Real’s misfortunes, Dani Carvajal too will not be a part of the proceedings. The gaffer will need to pass strict instructions to Lucas Vasquez and Ferland Mendy to drop back each time possession of the ball is lost. A good defensive performance will ensure that Liverpool do not have any away goal advantages to take home.
Tactical Set-Up For Midfield
Real Madrid’s midfield is their backbone and Zidane cannot afford to not give them their desired freedom in the centre of the park. Kroos and Modric often orchestrate the game for Real Madrid and Liverpool will be well aware of the same. Klopp will want to curtail their movement at each given opportunity and Zidane will need to figure a way around the same. An addition of Isco to the midfield could be a welcome addition to the Spanish side. The Spaniard looked lively against Eibar and would certainly be in contention for a spot on Tuesday evening.
