Source: SKY_Sports
Real Madrid v Liverpool preview
In-form Real Madrid will be looking to take control of their last-16 UEFA Champions League clash against Liverpool at Santiago Bernabeu. Juande Ramos' side enter the match on the back of a comprehensive 6-1 weekend success over Real Betis, while the Reds' title challenge is faltering after a series of dropped points.Real Madrid are out for revenge following their European Cup 1-0 defeat by Liverpool in Paris back in 1981.The match also sees the return of Rafa Benitez to Real Madrid, a club with whom he spent a decade-and-a-half of his footballing careerHe joined the club as a young hopeful in 1973/74 and spent seven years in the youth and reserve ranks. After injury had ended his playing days, he returned to the club in 1986 to embark on a coaching career in their youth system.All Liverpool fans will be sweating over the fitness of captain Steven Gerrard. The all-action midfielder is battling to overcome a hamstring injury and they realise their chances of progression could hinge on his availability.Real team newsRafael van der Vaart's inclusion in the Real Madrid squad is the only addition to the 18-man party that thrashed Betis, with with the midfielder's Dutch compatriot Klaas Jan Huntelaar the man to drop out.Huntelaar, who scored twice against Betis, is ineligible to play in the Champions League as Madrid were only able to register one of their two winter signings who had already played in Europe this season, and the former Ajax man missed out in favour of ex-Portsmouth midfielder Lassana Diarra.Joining Huntelaar on the sidelines are Royston Drenthe, Julien Faubert, Dani Parejo, Michel Salgado and Javi Garcia, as well as long-term injury victims Ruud van Nistelrooy, Ruben De La Red and Mahamadou Diarra.Liverpool team newsLiverpool will have Spain midfielder Xabi Alonso back in their side for their tricky-looking clash in the Spanish capital, however all eyes will be on Gerrard.Alonso missed Sunday's 1-1 draw with Manchester City due to a one-match suspension, although it is captain Gerrard who Rafa Benitez is hoping will pass a fitness test.Gerrard has travelled with Liverpool's squad, although it is believed the talismanic playmaker will not be rushed into action too early if it curtails his involvement between now and the summer.Liverpool are without Danish defender Daniel Agger, who has a back injury, so Jamie Carragher and Martin Skrtel are sure to continue their partnership at the heart of the club's backline.