“Rise to the big occassions”- Real Madrid ace believes Man United thrashing will give Liverpool hope

Antonio Rudiger claims that Liverpool will take inspiration from the Manchester United result

Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger claims that Liverpool will take inspiration from beating Manchester United 7-0 ahead of the second leg.

Liverpool are trailing the last-16 tie of the Champions League by three goals with the second leg due to take place at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday.

While we have seen the Reds overturn a three-goal deficit against a Spanish side recently (Barcelona), but it was at Anfield. Hopes of doing the same against a better side, that too at their home is nigh on impossible.

But, Rudiger is not going to take things lightly and warned his team that Jurgen Klopp’s men can take inspiration from their hammering of United. Here’s what the German said (h/t Liverpool Echo):

“We have to approach the opening a bit better than at Anfield because you cannot afford to sleep in the first 15 minutes against a team like Liverpool. We saw what happened, we need to find the right balance between attacking and defending.

“Liverpool have a very good attacking team and scored seven against Manchester United, who are a big rival, so that shows that they rise to the big occasions and we need to be aware of that.”

Good try, Antonio! But that was at Anfield. Liverpool’s away form this season has been underwhelming, to say the least. Expecting them to overturn a three-goal deficit at the home of the European champions is almost like asking a man to deliver a baby.

But, Klopp’s men should not go there for a stroll. There is pride at stake. What they can do is at the least not lose the second leg. A respectable outing can restore some of the lost pride of three weeks ago at Anfield.

Madrid are too canny for situations like this. So, going for it from minute one will play right into their hands. Instead, the Reds can play the game normally without looking at the scoreboard to try and win the second leg.

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Even that is looking tough with the absence of Jordan Henderson due to illness. We already are missing Thiago Alcantara in that midfield due to his hip issue. Things are not looking good!