Micah Richards has given his immediate verdict on Liverpool drawing Real Madrid in the last 16 of the Champions League on Monday on BBC Radio 5 Live (1:05PM) – claiming it could be time for Liverpool’s “redemption”.
Having failed to finish above Serie A league leaders Napoli in their Champions League group, Liverpool were forced to draw a side that finished top of a group. It sees them face Real Madrid, who toppled Celtic, Leipzig and Shakhtar.
Liverpool have been incredibly inconsistent. But they still managed to secure 15 points from a possible 18 – finishing second only on goal difference to Napoli. But they have been given one of the toughest draws of the entire round.
It could have been a whole lot better. There were only four possible opponents – in the form of Porto, Benfica or Bayern Munich. But in the end, they have got last season’s winners – the team that beat them in the final.
“Yes, yes. They met in the final last year, now it is time for redemption. But I want to see where Liverpool are at by the time the game comes around. They’ve been up and down, had their injuries but yeah, I like that draw,” Richards said.
Richards has given verdict on Liverpool drawing Real Madrid
What a draw. For the neutral, it is a massive tie – the biggest of the round. More so than the likes of PSG and Bayern, and Chelsea and Dortmund. Even Tottenham against Milan is an exciting tie. But Liverpool against Madrid is the best.
For Madrid, they will be confident. They have the form of beating Liverpool in last season’s final and making a superb start to the 2022-23 season. They have won 15 of 19 games in all competitions, losing only once to RB Leipzig.
That was a dead rubber with Carlo Ancelotti making changes in the 3-2 loss. So, you would say that Madrid are the favourites going into the tie. But by February, a lot might have changed – even the possibility of new signings.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
