Source: SKY_Sports
Liverpool v Real Madrid live!
Is this a win or bust tie for Benitez as he searches for silverware, trailing Manchester United as Liverpool do by seven points in the Premier League? Could the game act as a job audition for the Spaniard, who is regularly linked with a return to his home city of Madrid?
Personally I expect this to be a very tense evening, with both sides cautious as 1-0 is a horrible aggregate score which leads to uncertainty. I reckon it will end as a score-draw on the night, meaning Liverpool progress on aggregate.
But Matt Walker thinks that Real's all-time leading scorer and the record holder in the Champions League, Raul, will fire Madrid through with a 2-0 win.
Josh Cosker expects a tight one tonight but is confident Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez will have his tactics right, with Steven Gerrard and Torres combining for the winner.
Real return joint top scorer Joint top soccer Gonzalo Higuain to their starting line-up after he was offered a rest against Atletico Madrid, while former Chelsea star Arjen Robben lurks on the wings.
Liverpool are close to full strength as Fernando Torres has been deemed fit to start, while Alvaro Arbeloa is also ready for action. Yossi Benayoun misses out with his hamstring problem, meaning Ryan Babel replaces the suspended Albert Riera.
Real Madrid team: Casillas, Sergio Ramos, Cannavaro, Pepe, Heinze, Robben, Lassana Diarra, Gago, Sneijder, Raul, Higuain.
Subs: Dudek, Saviola, Marcelo, Guti, Metzelder, Miguel Torres, Van der Vaart.
Liverpool team: Reina, Arbeloa, Skrtel, Carragher, Aurelio, Alonso, Mascherano, Kuyt, Gerrard, Babel, Torres.
Subs: Cavalieri, Dossena, Hyypia, Lucas, Ngog, Spearing, Kelly.
The team news is in!
What are your thoughts as we await the team news? Liverpool lead their Spanish opponents 1-0 from the first leg thanks to Yossi Benayoun's header at the Bernabeu. Can the Reds progress or are Real ready to overturn the deficit and reach the quarter-finals for the first time in five years?
Welcome to our live commentary of the second-leg clash between Liverpool and Real Madrid at Anfield in the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League.
