The first leg of the Round of 16 brings us a matchup between two league giants, Liverpool and Real Madrid. The English Premier League team 2019-20 winners will try to bring glory back since their Champions League victory in 2018-19. However, it’s not an easy task trying to take down the defending champions. Carlo Ancelotti and his boys look solid ahead of the game. Los Blancos are 14-time winners and hope to start the knockout with their best foot forward come Tuesday.

Nitrobetting shares the latest news, soccer odds, and special features throughout the 2022-23 UEFA Champions League season. Let’s get a closer look at the upcoming Liverpool vs. Real Madrid face-off in this preview.

Liverpool vs. Real Madrid 2023 Champions League Round of 16 Leg 1 Info

️ "I really think you have to cherish these moments"

Jürgen Klopp discussed a range of topics ahead of tomorrow night's #UCL clash with Real Madrid ⤵️

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) February 20, 2023

• When: Tuesday, February 21 at 3:00 pm ET
• Where: Anfield, Liverpool, England
• TV: TUDN USA
• Live Stream: Paramount+
• Soccer Odds: Liverpool (+130) / Real Madrid (+208) / Draw (+256)

READ MORE: Eintracht Frankfurt vs. Napoli 2023 Champions League Odds & Preview (Feb. 21)

Why is Liverpool a safe bet to win?

Very few teams can brag about winning against Serie A superstars Napoli. But, the only goal difference put a gap between the two sides in the Group A standings. Liverpool amassed 15 points from a possible 18, winning five-straight games after their surprising 4-1 loss to the Italian squad on the first matchday.

Back-to-back wins over Everton and Newcastle United give Jurgen Klopp much-needed confidence. The latter was made possible by Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo–with the latter expected to suit up for this clash. Meanwhile, Nunez remains a doubt for the clash with Los Blancos. Manager Klopp confirms the Uruguayan came off in their recent Newcastle victory with a severe shoulder injury.

Their recent efforts mean a top-four finish is at arm’s reach for the Premier League club as they try to salvage what’s left of a disastrous 2023. Moreover, Liverpool only holds one Champions League Round-of-16 departure in the last five years. Their unbeaten run at Anfield means they get all the help they can, with their home crowd roaring with excitement. However, their poor record versus Real Madrid is put to the test once again.

Possible Line-Up

• Alisson
• van Djik
• Gomez
• Robertson
• Alexander-Arnold
• Fabinho
• Bajcetic
• Henderson
• Gakpo
• Nunez
• Salah

Liverpool’s Last 5

• Win: 0-2 vs. Newcastle United
• Win: 0-2 vs. Everton
• Loss: 3-0 vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers
• Loss: 2-1 vs. Brighton & Hove Albion
• Draw: 0-0 vs. Chelsea

Why is Real Madrid a safe bet to win?

The La Liga squad leaves PSG, Manchester City, and Chelsea in their bid to extend their European Cup dreams. Real Madrid has another shot at back-to-back UCL titles and adds a 15th title to its legacy. They are never to be counted out in the continental competition. On top of that, the squad has been working well and is only a few points behind rivals Barcelona in their respective league. Even if their group stage results were far from what most expected, it’s tough to rule out a side that has been producing some of the best soccer and soccer players for nearly a century.

Carlo Ancelotti secured their fourth-straight win in all tournaments. They took down Osasuna in the process, thanks to thrilling strikes by Federico Valverde and Marco Asensio. Despite recording just three shots on goal, they bounced back in the second half and stretched their Champions League run further.

Real Madrid needs to close down the five-point gap. Their rough European form on the road makes for a positive response for Liverpool supporters. More than that, Los Blancos won just two of their last six Champions League meetings in uncharted territory. On the other hand, the La Liga club holds solid figures over the Premier League heavy hitters, stretching Liverpool’s winless run to six matches.

Possible Line-Up

• Courtois
• Rudiger
• Militao
• Alaba
• Nacho
• Camavinga
• Ceballos
• Modric
• Rodrygo
• Junior
• Valverde

Real Madrid’s Last 5

• Win: 0-2 vs. Osasuna
• Win: 4-0 vs. Elche
• Win: 5-3 vs. Al Hilal
• Win: 1-4 vs. Al Ahly
• Loss: 1-0 vs. Mallorca

Liverpool vs. Real Madrid Betting Prediction

The result of this highly-anticipated Round of 16 match draws the same excitement as any other UCL finals match. It’s a battle between two decorated managers, featuring Jurgen Klopp and Carlo Ancelotti. While Liverpool regained momentum at the right time and can expose Real’s defensive woes and midfield lapses, Los Blancos are never to be overlooked in this department. There’s also the narrative of Real Madrid performing better in the Champions League. Should Benzema return to his firing and fearsome form, there are only a handful of elements that separate the two continental soccer dreadnoughts.

Ultimately, Liverpool taking advantage of home advantage and drawing first blood is a must. This is their only chance to pull away from Los Blancos.

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