LIVERPOOL require a footballing miracle to keep their dreams alive and while they are past masters at getting them, especially in this competition, who knows which version of Jurgen Klopp's side will turn up when they face Real Madrid in the Champions League on Wednesday.
The Reds' season of inconsistently was perfectly illustrated in their last two games. A 7-0 win against Manchester United will be talked about in a century's time and go down in the annals of history…then they lost at relegation-haunted Bournemouth.
In fact, their entire season could be summed up when Real visited Anfield in the first leg. Liverpool raced into a two-goal lead and then utterly collapsed under a stunning Spanish comeback and Carlo Ancelotti's men romped to a 5-2 win.
Liverpool now need a three-goal win of any description with no away goals anymore, but if they were to take any smidgen of hope, it would be Los Merengues have hardly been the model of consistency themselves.
Since that win on Merseyside, they have been held by Atletico Madrid and Real Betis and lost the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg to Barcelona.
They returned to winning ways against Espanyol, but with this tie surely all but in the bag, they would be forgiven for having one eye on their trip to Catalonia at the weekend where they must win at Barcelona to stay in the La Liga race.
How the bookies view it
Real Madrid are a best priced 15/11 to win the second leg too with SBK. Liverpool are 15/8 to win on the night with bet365 and the draw is 3/1 with UniBet.
To qualify, Liverpool are 16/1 with bet365 and Real Madrid are 1/10 to go through with Paddy Power.
Recent head to heads
Real romped to that incredible 5-2 win at Anfield in the first leg and won the final between the teams last year. Real are unbeaten in the last seven meetings.
Players to watch
Karim Benzema missed their weekend win with an ankle injury in s season that has been full of disruption. But he is expected to return to face Liverpool and is 5/4 to score with UniBet.
Mo Salah missed a penalty against Bournemouth and he's not had his finest season. But his display against Manchester United reminded everyone about what he is capable of and he is 2/1 to score with William Hill.
Anything else catch the eye?
It's surely about regaining some pride for Liverpool here after they were embarrassed severely in the first leg.
They realistically must score the first goal to give them any hope and open the door ajar slightly, but Real Madrid will surely be expecting that. Go for Real to kill their hopes off and score the first goal at 17/20 with Coral.
Both teams to score looks nailed on, but you won't get rich by backing that at around 1/2. Look for both teams to score in what could be a frantic first half at 5/2 at bet365.
This UEFA Champions League match between Real Madrid and Liverpool will be played on Mar 15, 2023 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Real Madrid vs Liverpool prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
