What makes Liverpool capable of completing Mission: Impossible in Madrid

Liverpool's Champions League fate hangs in the balance as they trail 5-2 on aggregate heading into their second leg against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu. Despite the odds being stacked against them, Liverpool supporters have arrived in Madrid with a sense of hope, albeit without complete belief. While Liverpool's history is replete with improbable and incredible feats, even the most optimistic of fans understand that this latest task will be incredibly difficult.

Real Madrid, who have won the competition a record 14 times, have exposed Liverpool's weaknesses in the past and have won five of their last six meetings. Moreover, Liverpool's inconsistent performances this season have only added to the difficulty of the task at hand. However, Liverpool's reputation for comebacks and big European nights gives fans a glimmer of hope. While the odds may not be in their favor, Betimate searches for any signs of hope for the Reds faithful.

Lessons from history

Liverpool has a remarkable history of memorable European fightbacks, with victories in Monchengladbach, Rome, Istanbul, Auxerre, Dortmund, and Barcelona. The Reds seem to come alive during those continental nights, particularly at Anfield where their passionate supporters provide unwavering support. However, as they face Real Madrid, they won't have the home advantage.

Liverpool has a remarkable history of memorable European fightbacks

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Nevertheless, Liverpool has shown that they can also produce great feats away from home, such as winning a European Cup against Roma in their stadium and overturning a 3-0 deficit to beat AC Milan in Istanbul in 2005, a team managed by Real Madrid's current coach, Carlo Ancelotti. Ahead of their sensational victory against Barcelona in the 2019 semi-finals, Klopp had told his team that if it was anyone else, the task would be impossible, but because it was them, they had a chance. His words could inspire Liverpool once again.

The firepower is there

To progress further in the competition, Liverpool must score a minimum of three goals. However, they have the necessary tools and capabilities to achieve this feat. Despite their recent lackluster loss against Bournemouth, their attacking players have been in excellent form, as exemplified by their resounding 7-0 victory over Manchester United. In that match, Cody Gakpo, Darwin Nunez, and Mohamed Salah each scored twice, with Roberto Firmino adding a late goal as a cherry on top.

Liverpool's attacking players have been in excellent form

Additionally, with Diogo Jota returning to fitness, Liverpool now has at least five potential game-changers in their squad. Furthermore, if Luis Diaz is fit enough, he may also feature on the bench. Liverpool has already netted 11 goals in three Champions League away matches this season, including a remarkable seven-goal performance against Rangers and a three-goal showing against Ajax. However, it's best to not mention their 4-1 thrashing by Napoli back in September.

Big games are Liverpool's currency

Liverpool's season has been marred by inconsistencies, including losses to lower-ranked teams such as Nottingham Forest, Leeds United, Brighton, Brentford, Wolves, and most recently, Bournemouth. As a result, Klopp's squad is facing difficulties in securing a top-four finish in the Premier League, a stark contrast to their performance in the previous season where they were contenders for every major trophy.

Liverpool's players have shown that they rise to the occasion in big games

Despite these challenges, Liverpool's players have shown that they rise to the occasion in big games. This was evident in their recent victory over Manchester United and their earlier win against Manchester City in October. They have also achieved impressive away win against rivals Tottenham and Newcastle, both of whom are vying for Champions League qualification. Liverpool has beaten Serie A leaders Napoli this season, as well as secured home and away victories against Rangers and Ajax. In addition, they emerged victorious in a tense Merseyside derby against their neighbors, Everton, last month.

Chelsea should have done it

Given all that has occurred since, it can be easy to forget that Thomas Tuchel's Chelsea nearly achieved the same outcome that Liverpool now requires at the Bernabeu this Wednesday, back in April of last year. After losing 3-1 to Real Madrid in the first leg of their quarter-final match at Stamford Bridge, few believed the Blues had a chance as they traveled to Spain.

Chelsea should have done it

However, Chelsea put on an impressive display, scoring early on through Mason Mount and adding a second goal after half-time by Antonio Rudiger. With just 15 minutes left on the clock and a 3-0 lead thanks to Timo Werner's goal, Tuchel's team looked set to advance. Yet, Luka Modric had other plans and provided a stunning assist for Rodrygo, followed by a crucial goal by Karim Benzema in extra time, ultimately securing Real's place in the semi-finals.

Madrid's good fortune must eventually run out

Moving forward with the same topic, how much longer can Madrid rely on getting positive outcomes from lackluster performances in the Champions League? Their journey to the final in the previous season was exceptional. They were on the verge of being eliminated by Paris Saint-Germain in the last-16, Chelsea should have knocked them out in the quarters, and Manchester City was very close to eliminating them in the semis.

Madrid's good fortune must eventually run out

However, on each occasion, the team managed to turn things around with moments of brilliance from players like Benzema, Rodrygo, Modric, or Vinicius Jr. In the final, goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois delivered an outstanding performance, keeping Liverpool from scoring while Vinicius secured a victory for Madrid with a goal on the counter-attack.

This is undoubtedly an impressive feat. Even when playing at Anfield, Real Madrid was second-best for the first 20 minutes but managed to recover and deliver some decisive blows. Not many teams possess such resilience and determination, but Ancelotti would probably prefer a more comfortable game on Wednesday. Eventually, their luck will run out, won't it?

Liverpool needs this badly

There may be those who see Liverpool's upcoming game as a low-pressure situation due to their seemingly insurmountable circumstances. However, while this may be true, there is no guarantee that Liverpool will secure a spot in the Champions League for next season. It is unlikely that they will exit the current competition without putting up a fight.

Liverpool still has a chance to finish in fourth place in the Premier League, but their inconsistent performances make it difficult to rely on them. Additionally, their next three league matches are against Manchester City and Chelsea away and then Arsenal at home.

Throughout this trying season, Klopp and his team have been striving to find something to hold onto, something to motivate them. Currently, their focus is on securing fourth place and a spot in the Champions League. If they fail to do so this week, it will be a significant blow, despite being the most probable outcome.

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