Liverpool defender Joel Matip said that some of his Reds teammates are looking to get revenge on Real Madrid in the Champions League.
In a rematch of the 2018 and 2022 championships, the European juggernauts will square off once more, but this time in the round of 16, and Matip believes they ‘will not hide’ as they pursue victory.
After losing both of those finals to Los Blancos, Liverpool will enter this match at Anfield hoping to make amends.
However, the recent final defeats will be fresh in many of the current players’ minds, most certainly last season where they were separated by Vinicius Jr’s only goal of the game.
It was a particularly sore result for Liverpool given they had dominated the goalscoring chances, and were only kept from running away with the game by a Man-of-the-Match performance from Real goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, while the Spanish giants scored with their only shot on target.
That defeat set the tone for this current campaign, with Jurgen Klopp’s side appearing to feel the effects of their failed quadruple attempt.
However, after months of inconsistent performances, it appears the Reds have their confidence back following a run of back-to-back victories over Everton and Newcastle.
Liverpool defender, Matip, insists they are heading into this match with only one thing in their minds – getting the win.
what Joel Matip said About The Real Madrid Clash
“This week gave us the confidence to keep on going and get back to the way we played before, so hopefully it will be like this [against Real Madrid],” Matip said in an exclusive interview with talkSPORT host Jim White.
“Hopefully we can show in both competitions our quality. Of course the Champions League is always something special, but we want to show both here in the Premier League and the Champions League our best sides, and we will be ready.”
Asked if their recent defeats to Real Madrid have given the Liverpool players an extra incentive to beat them in the last-16, Matip said: “I think to win a game against them is motivation enough, but the past, if it helps you as a player, you can use it,” the Reds centre-back added.
“For me, I just want to get to the next round, I don’t care who our opponent is, I just want to get through and I will do everything for this.
“Maybe for some of our players it will help to get a little bit of payback.
Trending Stories: Rafael Nadal Backs Lionel Messi To Win Laureus Award Ahead Of Him
“But, for me, I just want to go to the next round. It could be any team and I would still go there with all I had.
“Everybody knows Real Madrid, the largest club, but nevertheless we are Liverpool and we will not hide. We will go for the win, especially at Anfield, and I’m very confident that we can win here.
“Everybody is looking forward to this game as we will not hide.
“We know our quality, we know our strengths, of course we also know our opponent, but still – we are Liverpool.”
COMMENTS