UEFA Champions League 2014-15 has now entered its crucial stage as teams scramble for positioning with three games left in their group-stage schedule. And for Liverpool FC, there's no better time for them to make their moves than in their upcoming game against reigning UEFA Champions League champ Real Madrid.
Real Madrid vs. Liverpool FC (Game Stats) at Santiago Barnabeau (2:45 p.m US EST) on Fox Sports US and ITV (UK) / Live Stream Feed on Sports Stream, ITV Player and FOX Soccer 2GO.
After tasting a 0-3 defeat at the hands of the Galacticos in their last Champions League outing on their home turf, Brendan Rodgers and his guys look to get even with a victory before Real Madrid fans at Santiago Bernabeau.
Thanks to Real Madrid's total dominance in their group, Liverpool still has a chance to squeeze into the next round even if they lose this game against Madrid. Their final game against Basel and Ludogorets Razgard will likely be the determining factor of their chance to play in the knockout stage, but Rodgers insisted his boys aim no better than a win vs. Real Madrid.
''We are certainly not coming here as a team expected to lose and then look at the other games as games to qualify,'' Rodgers said of his players' mindset heading into a crucial match with Real Madrid on Tuesday via ESPN FC. "For us, we see it as an opportunity. We still very much have qualification in our hands."
''It is a wonderful arena - one of the iconic football grounds in the world - and, when you come up against the best opponents, that is the challenge and what makes you perform to your best."
On the other hand, the Los Blancos has virtually secured a spot in the knockout stage after sweeping all their first three games in the group-stage. While it seems just another day at the office for the Galacticos, Real Madrid ace striker Cristiano Ronaldo is gunning for history as he looks to equalize and perhaps topple in the same game the 71 goals Real Madrid legend Raul scored at UEFA Champions League.
"Both are incredible," Marcelo said of the difference between Ronaldo and Raul. "I've had the pleasure of playing with both. Raul was an incredible captain and was great on and off the field. They're different, but both have that ambition to improve all the time and help the team. That's the best thing about both of them."
UEFA Champions League Scores, Stats and Update for Tuesday's schedule is available on ESPN FC Scoreboard.
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