Real Madrid took the win in the first leg of their quarterfinals clash against Liverpool. With both teams at major disadvantages, it seems that Real Madrid is more focused and more resilient. With the second leg next week in Liverpool, Los Blancos need to take their focus and resiliency to the next level in order to eliminate Liverpool.
A few days before the game, it was announced that Sergio Ramos would miss both games due to an injury sustained during international duty. Then, just before the clash, Raphaël Varane was ruled out due to testing positive for COVID-19. Varane is likely to miss the second leg, as well.
Like Liverpool, Los Blancos have problems with injuries, as well.
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How can Real Madrid out Liverpool away?
In the first leg, Los Blancos did a good job of obtaining a 2-0 score in the first half. That shows their concentration. Shortly into the second half, Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah found the back of the net to make it 2-1. Liverpool continually threatened and came close to tying the game, only for Real Madrid’s defense to foil these attempts. In addition, Vinícius Júnior scored his second goal of the game to make it 3-1.
Los Blancos need to utilize the same strategy: get ahead early and put pressure on Liverpool. Since the next encounter is in Liverpool, Real Madrid can take advantage of the away goals rule. However, part of the strategy has to include not allowing Liverpool to control and dominate the game. Real Madrid needs to get ahead early and continue to build on it by playing solidly on defense and continuing to find the back of the net. In other words, Los Blancos must be at least two steps ahead and they must keep it that way.
Real Madrid deserves credit for being solid on defense in the first leg despite being without Ramos and Varane. This Saturday, they take on Barcelona. Next Wednesday, they’ll play their second leg with Liverpool. If the defense can stay solid in both games and the entire team can keep their concentration and resiliency, they can win both games and possibly make a very surprising run in the Champions League. Los Blancos are still in contention for the La Liga title, as well. They have a lot to play for, which means something.
Los Blancos are looking to prove that they are true contenders for the title. Eliminating Liverpool in dominating fashion takes Los Blancos one step closer to returning to its winning and dominant form.
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