Luka Modric believes Liverpool are “seeking sporting revenge” against Real Madrid when the two clash in the first leg of the Champions League last-16 tie on Tuesday night.
The La Liga giants defeated Jürgen Klopp’s team in the final of last season’s competition and were marred by the appalling treatment of supporters outside Paris’ Stade de France.
The Reds took a huge three points from Newcastle yesterday, but still sit eighth in the Premier League, 19 points behind leaders Arsenal.
“I’m really surprised that Liverpool are so far away from the top of the Premier League, but the same can be said for us in La Liga right now. So don’t say anything!” Modric said (The Mirror). quoted by).
“If you look at the Liverpool team, you know they can always react and come back in the season. yeah.
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“Despite our league season, Liverpool vs Real is one of the best shows the world of football can offer. It’s a pity that I had to play.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side are currently five points behind leaders Barcelona, with the Catalan side also set to face Barcelona.
Both Liverpool and Real have seen their campaigns affected by injuries this season, but the Croatian star believes neither team has an excuse to head into a crucial period. increase.
“It’s normal for injury absences to affect the game,” he added. “But that’s no excuse for Liverpool or Real. We have players fighting for trophies and titles and we both believe we can do it.
“It’s the same for the World Cup in Qatar. It may have affected both clubs for better or worse, but now they are both back to work and improving. Now is the decisive moment for the national competition. It’s time to see, so let’s see what happens.
Of course, everyone says both teams haven’t had a good moment, but they still have plenty of season left to play.
“For this first leg, I think defense will be key. I will go to Anfield with the aim of winning.
“Away goals no longer count double, so it makes less of a difference between playing at home or away. Having seen it many times, I always prefer to play the second leg at home.”
The 14-time European Cup winners have dominated Liverpool in their recent encounters.
Not only did they beat us in last year’s final, they also beat us in the 2018 Kiev final and knocked us out of the competition in the quarter-finals of the 2020/21 season.
“I understand that Liverpool are probably seeking sporting revenge against us,” the 37-year-old insisted.
“It’s normal after the two have had their last results in European competition. We believe we can get through it.”
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