Opponent Watch: Real Madrid ace cleared to face Liverpool on Tuesday

Real Madrid star Karim Benzema has been cleared to face Liverpool at Anfield

Real Madrid superstar Karim Benzema has been declared fit to feature in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League round of 16 clash vs Liverpool at Anfield on Tuesday night.

The French veteran is one of his generation’s celebrated strikers and continues to make a difference for Los Blancos on the field. Despite being 35 years old, Benzema continues to be a regular difference maker for Carlo Ancelotti’s men.

The game will be a repeat of last season’s final where Real came out 1-0 winners. The Reds dominated the match but could not find a way past an inspired Thibaut Courtois in goal. Hopefully, luck will shine on us later on Tuesday.

Benzema sat out Real Madrid’s 2-0 win over Osasuna at the weekend, with Brazilian youngster Rodrygo taking his place in the starting XI. This raised speculation that the veteran might not be fit to take the field at Anfield.

According to The Mirror, Ancelotti has poured cold water on the rumours and stated that Benzema will feature in the game. A difficult player to pin down, the Reds will need to be at their best against the Frenchman.

“Tomorrow he will start”

Real Madrid have been Liverpool’s voodoo club in the competition under Jurgen Klopp. We have faced off against them on four different occasions, losing three and drawing one. Unless Liverpool steps up to the plate, that winless streak could extend to five games.

\With the second leg to be played at the Santiago Bernabeu, the Reds cannot afford to not take a lead into the tie. Wins against Everton and Newcastle United have instilled a renewed sense of optimism and defeating Real Madrid could certainly be a tipping point in the season.

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Thankfully for the Reds, star defender Virgil van Dijk is also back available and should prove to be the perfect foil for Benzema. Hopefully, the power of Anfield will see us come away from the match with a win.