The “Reds”, winners of the C1 in 2019, did the hardest part of the trip to the Luz stadium, and it would be surprising to see them collapse at Anfield on Wednesday evening.
Jürgen Klopp’s players hardly know defeat: they have only conceded once this season on the European scene, and without consequence, in the round of 16 second leg against Inter Milan (1-0).
Distrust however: this only setback came in their lair, against an Inter who were not far from turning the tide after their failure to go 2-0 at San Siro.
In addition, the spearhead of Liverpool, the Egyptian Mohamed Salah, seems to be struggling since his return from the African Cup of Nations where the Pharaohs failed in the final against Senegal on February 6.
Liverpool is still in the running for a historic quadruple this season (championship, Champions League, FA Cup in addition to the League Cup already won at the end of February).
Suspense in Madrid
The outcome of the other quarter-final return to the poster of Wednesday evening promises to be much more undecided in Madrid between Atlético and Manchester City.
The “Citizens” only beat the “Colchoneros” 1-0 in the first leg at the Etihad Stadium, after a clash of styles between the twirling Mancunian attack and the robust Madrid defense.
Despite the immense reputation of its coach Pep Guardiola, double winner of the C1 with Barcelona (2009, 2011), City has still not managed to reach the Holy Grail in the Champions League, even if the English club is getting closer, narrowly beaten (1-0) by Chelsea last year for its first final.
To continue to believe it, Kevin De Bruyne’s teammates will have to overcome Atlético at the Metropolitano stadium.
Small advantage for the English club: the bubbling Madrid public will be fewer than usual to support their team, after UEFA’s decision to close part of the stands for this match, due to the “discriminatory behavior” of some supporters to go on April 5th.