Source: Telegraph
Champions League Game Zone: Liverpool v Real Madrid
The reign of Rafael Benitez at Anfield was encapsulated by the events of the last week. Firstly his Liverpool side beat Real Madrid at the Bernabeau, then fell out of the title race at Middlesbrough and struggled to overcome Sunderland at Anfield.
Benitez is an excellent tactician
While statistics and the last 10 days would suggest otherwise, I cannot adhere to the theory that Benitez is only capable of constructing effective game-plans for European nights. If Benitez is an excellent coach, which he has demonstrated on numerous occasions, he is surely capable of adapting his methods whatever the league or opposition. Evidence of this was his brilliant tactical planning in the Premier League defeat of Chelsea at Stamford Bridge where his perfectly designed game-plan was implemented superbly by his players.
Contrasting preparation affects players
Therefore I believe he has had better results in Europe than domestically because of his own mentality. With so many games played by the top sides it is impossible for coaches to meticulously plan for every opponent. As a result, Benitez works hard to negate the strengths and expose the weaknesses of teams before the big games, while just relying on his basic team shape and pattern of play against weaker teams. While he may not realise it, this approach can be transmitted to the players that some matches are more important than others.
Squad not strong enough
I also believe Liverpool do not have a good enough squad to win the Premier League and too many of their players are inconsistent. One week Liverpool will play with an unrivalled passion and intensity, the next in a state of lethargy. These traits make it impossible for them to win the league, but they do have the ability to raise their performance for one-off matches.
Real Madrid will be better
Despite Liverpool holding a 1-0 advantage going into Tuesday's second leg against Real Madrid, the tie is far from over because Juande Ramos's team will play with more pace and verve than they did in Spain. Also Liverpool will be unsure of how deep they should defend.
Kuyt and Benayoun are key
Benitez must be concerned how they can break Madrid down, particularly with Steven Gerrard not back to his best following injury and Fernando Torres struggling with uncertain form and fitness. Two players that are in form are Dirk Kuyt and Yossi Benayoun. In particular the Israeli international was outstanding against Sunderland. He dribbled past players, continually linked up with Kuyt and combined intelligently with makeshift right-back Javier Mascherano. Kuyt is a key player for Benitez because he is so versatile. His tactical awareness and diligence to carry out instructions enables Benitez to change his attacking options without fear of losing continuity.
Prediction: Liverpool to win the tie after a draw at Anfield.
