Recommended bets

Match preview

After a truly crazy first leg at Anfield, one should expect another high-scoring affair in the Spanish capital.

Three weeks ago, Liverpool were in dream land, leading 2-0 after just 14 minutes, thanks to Darwin Núñez’s flick and then Thibaut Courtois’ calamitous error that gifted Mohamed Salah a second.

However, by half time, Real Madrid had got it back to 2-2, with Vinícius Júnior scoring twice, the first a lovely strike, before he blocked Alisson’s attempted clearance and the ball looped in.

Mere seconds after the break, Éder Militão’s bullet header had los Blancos in front, before Karim Benzema’s majestic brace secured a famous 5-2 win.

Carlo Ancelotti’s team were the kings of the comeback en route to winning the Champions League last season, hoping to avoid being on the wrong end of a remontada this time.

Given that Real Madrid are nine points below Barcelona in the La Liga title race, the two met at Camp Nou on Sunday, they are looking to this trophy to make the campaign a success.

As for Liverpool, the only aspect of their season that’s been consistent is their inconsistency.

Ten days ago, Jürgen Klopp’s team smashed Manchester United 7-0 at Anfield, but were then beaten 1-0 by Bournemouth on Saturday; make sense of that!

Given that Liverpool have a three-goal deficit to overturn, they simply have to go for it, which should result in a goal-fest at Estadio Santiago Bernabéu.

Real Madrid team news

With David Alaba and Ferland Mendy sidelined, Nacho could continue to fill-in at left-back, with Antonio Rüdiger partnering first leg scorer Éder Militão in the middle.

Karim Benzema sat out Saturday’s 3-1 win over Espanyol, he’s been nursing an injury all season, so may only be fit enough for a place on the bench, with Sunday’s trip to Barcelona the priority.

Liverpool team news

Jürgen Klopp’s team are not in action again until 1 April, so he can put out his strongest XI here.

Darwin Núñez, Cody Gakpo and Mohammed Salah, who all bagged braces against Man United, appear to be the first-choice front three.

Jordan Henderson has not made the trip to Spain due to illness, while teenager Stefan Bajčetić also isn’t in the squad due to a knock.

With Thiago out long-term and Naby Keïta a doubt, Fabinho, Harvey Elliott and James Milner could make up the midfield trio.