Rafael Benitez Set For Audition At Real Madrid

Ever the professional, Rafael Benitez insists he is looking no further into the future than 8.45pm, Madrid time, on Wednesday night, but the suspicion remains that the Liverpool manager's first return to Real Madrid for five years serves not only as a homecoming but also a job application.

Beat Juande Ramos's resurgent team and Benitez will surely find more than one contract offer at his fingertips come the summer.

Prove, yet again, that he has the magic touch to deliver the 10th European Cup that is Real's obsession and one of the club's presidential hopefuls would surely come calling.

Tom Hicks and George Gillett, Liverpool's joint owners, would no doubt rush to acquiesce to whatever demands Benitez sees fit.

"I am not thinking about the future beyond the game," Benitez said last night. "I am not thinking about the past either. I am a professional, so I am just concentrating on my team and on this match, not on my contract.

"I don't feel I have anything to prove here. I still have a lot of friends from my days as a player and a coach, so it is nice to see them, but I want to win for my team, not for me.

"The game will not have any impact on my contract talks. You should not judge a manager on a single game, you should judge him on his career."

It is a subject Benitez has grown weary with in recent weeks, the constant denials and speculation making him irascible. Yesterday he even suggested he was blamed by some fans for Liverpool's domestic failures of the last 20 years.

But he is clearly relishing being back in his old haunt, effortlessly conducting a press conference in both English and Spanish, correcting his translator and joking with Jamie Carragher.

The Champions League brings out the best in Benitez. Two finals, one won and one lost, plus a semi-final in four years bear testament to that. No wonder he is seen in Madrid as the man to deliver la decima, their 10th European crown.

Never mind that he has never won at the Bernabeu as a manager, or that Fernando Torres has never scored here, or that Pepe Reina has invariably been on the losing side. "There is always a first time," he said.

More importantly, he remains calm despite being faced with having to decide on Steven Gerrard's fitness this morning. Gerrard trained with the rest of the squad but Benitez admitted he would have to assess the risk of playing the England international after three weeks out with a hamstring injury.

Carragher, though, believes Liverpool's chances of progressing do not rest solely on Gerrard's shoulders. "If you look at 2005, there were plenty of games when Steven didn't play and we still won," he said.

"Obviously we're a better team with him in it and we hope he plays. He's one of the best in the world. But he's not our only hope of winning."

The noises emanating from Madrid are appropriately bullish for Europe's form side. The club's president, Vicente Boluda, has confidently predicted a 3-0 home win tonight, followed by a 2-1 triumph at Anfield.

It is a dismissive attitude which pervades the squad. Juande Ramos, the coach whose temporary stay in the hottest seat in world football will become permanent should he lift the Champions League trophy, has been more diplomatic, suggesting he is expecting a tie decided by fine margins, but the message has obviously not reached his players.

The talismanic Raul insisted enough has changed since the draw was made in December, a time when Real were in meltdown and Liverpool in the ascendancy, to suggest it is the Spanish side who are now favourites.

He said: "We are much better than we were when we were first drawn together. Liverpool have lost a little bit."

Arjen Robben, too, is hardly taking a respectful attitude to opponents whose recent record in the competition is better than anyone's. "Yes, I have unfinished business with Liverpool," said the winger, who twice lost semi-finals to Benitez's side as a Chelsea player.

"But when I was in England, I didn't like playing Liverpool. I much preferred the games with Manchester United and Arsenal, because Liverpool are not a team who play good football.

"They run a lot, they work hard and they're tactically well-organised. It is down to us whether we qualify."

No doubt Benitez will take pride in a withering assessment Robben may live to regret should Liverpool progress. After all, he may find himself with a lot of explaining to do to his new manager come summer.

Carragher Confident But Fires Warning Over Revitalised Real

Jamie Carragher believes Liverpool can beat Real Madrid tonight – even if they are without Steven Gerrard.

But the Anfield centre-back has warned his team-mates to beware the threat of a revitalised Raul.

Rafael Benitez will make a late decision over Gerrard’s fitness, with the skipper having only returned to light training this week after three weeks out following a hamstring tear.

Carragher acknowledges the importance of the skipper to Liverpool’s cause, but points to the successful run to Istanbul four years ago, during which Gerrard was absent for a number of games, that the team can win without their talisman.

“We don’t need to have Steven Gerrard in the team to win in Madrid,” said the centre-back. “We’ve done it in the past. He’s a great player and one of the best in the world, and we hope he’s fit.

“But in 2005 there were plenty of games in which he didn’t play. Of course we are a better team when he plays and hopefully he can play.”

Under Juande Ramos, Real have overcome a poor start to the campaign and won their ninth consecutive game at the weekend.

Key to that turnaround has been Raul, who is the leading goalscorer in the history of the Champions League having scored 64 goals in 121 games in the competition.

And Carragher said: “Raul is a legend, one of the best players in the world. To play for Real Madrid, you need a big character and to play for Real that long and be that successful shows the character he has.

“During the last few years, people have been writing him off at times but he keeps coming back. He’s recently broken the goals record of di Stefano, who was one of the best players of all time.

“He is similar to Steven Gerrard.

“When you think of Real Madrid, you think of Raul, and when you think of Liverpool, you think of Steven Gerrard. He is a great player and it will be a privilege to be on the same pitch.”

However, Carragher reckons Liverpool will this evening possess the “best striker in the world” in Fernando Torres, and expects the former Atletico Madrid man to be eager to impress.

“I think Torres will maybe be more motivated because he used to play for Real’s big rivals Atletico, which is like Liverpool-Everton for us,” he said. “But it’s the Champions League and I’m sure he’ll be determined to prove he is still the best striker in the world which we believe he is.”

Should Gerrard fail to make the starting line-up, Carragher will lead Liverpool out at the Bernabeu this evening.

And he added: “It’s fantastic when the draw comes up as I get very excited as you want to experience playing at the great stadiums.

“We’ve never played at Madrid and one of the biggest in world football. Liverpool are alongside Milan and Madrid as the most successful three teams in Europe.

“I think it’s 14 European Cups between the two teams. That’s a fantastic achievement and let’s hope we can win a sixth this season.

“Real are in better form now but I think people forget Real won the league for the last two years ahead of a fantastic Barcelona team. They may not have had a good run but this was always going to be a tough time.

“When you are playing you have more confidence and I’m sure it will help them. That’s something we have to deal with. We didn’t have the best result in our last game, but we’ll go into the game on a level footing.

“The Champions League is always very important for Liverpool, as is the Premier League. And we have to still believe we can still win both competitions.”

Torres Reveals Double Madrid Motivation

No sooner had Fernando Torres stepped on to the tarmac at Madrid’s Barajas International Airport yesterday, he was surrounded by a swarm of yellow-bibbed runway workers brandishing pens and paper, eager for an autograph.

But while clearly still regarded with great affection by many in the Spanish capital, the Liverpool striker can expect a more frosty reception when he steps out at the Bernabeu this evening.

His match-winning strike in the Euro 2008 final against Germany last summer may have earned Torres the adoration of the entire country.

However, Madrilenian pride means the forward will be public enemy number one to home supporters when Real Madrid host Liverpool in tonight’s blockbusting Champions League first knockout round first leg tie.

Torres, of course, forged his reputation at Real’s city rivals Atletico Madrid, with no love lost between the bitter neighbours.

And despite changing club, country and cultures, the striker once again finds the Bernabeu outfit standing in his way of glory.

Injury deprived Torres of the chance to play in either group game against his former club earlier in the competition.

But now free of the hamstring problems that have hampered his campaign, the 24-year-old believes he is playing for two sets of supporters tonight.

“I have no feelings for Real Madrid,” says Torres. “I played for Atletico, so know that if Liverpool beat Real, it will make lots of Atletico fans happy as well.

“Those games against Atletico in the group stage were very important and I was so disappointed to miss out through injury.

“I was looking forward to the reception but wasn’t even allowed to travel to the Vicente Calderon.

“It was very frustrating for me not to be able to play in either game, but afterwards it was great for me to see the Atletico and Liverpool fans changing shirts and scarves and singing together.

“They were two fantastic days for the fans in Liverpool and Madrid.

“I couldn’t celebrate if I had scored against Atletico. I would have shown respect for my former club where I spent 12 years, the club that helped me become the person I am today. But if I score against Real Madrid, I will celebrate for sure.”

Torres is all too aware of the difficulty in overcoming Real, having never been on the winning side or even scored at the Bernabeu during his time at Atletico.

Indeed, the striker scored only once in a Madrid derby, and has yet to find the net in Europe this season after scoring six times in 11 games during Liverpool’s run to the semi-finals last year.

“It would be great for me to get my first goals in Europe this season against Madrid,” says Torres. “I feel confidence is coming back at the right time and I am sure the goals will follow.

“When I played in Madrid derbies for Atletico we were often the underdogs so it was always very special if we could beat Madrid.

“For the last 12 years or so Atletico have rarely beaten Madrid, it’s been a very long time. It’s always been a very difficult game to beat Madrid.

“When the draw was made, Real were not in their best moment but have improved recently. They are one of the biggest clubs in the world and we have to be aware of that.”

Under the guidance of interim coach Juande Ramos, Real have won nine consecutive games and thrashed Real Betis 6-1 at home in their last outing on Saturday.

The Spanish giants have scored 22 goals and conceded just twice in that period, compared to the 37 goals they leaked during their first 19 games of the campaign.

Tonight represents Liverpool’s first-ever visit to the Bernabeu for a competitive fixture. And while Torres believes the travelling supporters will be impressed by the stadium, the atmosphere pales in contrast to that of Anfield, which hosts the return game on March 10.

“To play in the second leg at Anfield, which is such a magical stadium for us in the Champions League, could be an advantage, especially if we get a good result at the Bernabeu,” says the striker.

“There’s nothing like playing at Anfield. I don’t think there is a ground in the world like Anfield – certainly not the Bernabeu. Liverpool fans will be impressed with the Bernabeu because it is a great stadium but the atmosphere won’t be anything like Anfield.

“It was the same at Atletico. That was a special club with a special feeling and Liverpool is even more so. It will be a close game but it is good that we play at Anfield second. We will have a better atmosphere and it is the small details that will decide this tie.

“Real Madrid will not like playing us because over two games we are very difficult to beat. We are one of the hardest sides to beat in ties like this.”

For Torres, tonight’s game also provides an opportunity, should it really be necessary, to emphatically prove his credentials to those doubters that remain in his home country.

“If you don’t play for Barca or Real in Spain then people just don’t rate you as highly,” he says. “Now I’ve moved to England I still think there’s some of that. I still think some people look at me like an Atleti.

“But maybe now because I am not a rival there’s a bit more affection for me. Moving to Liverpool has given me that chance to show I’ve arrived.”

A debut Bernabeu goal this evening would underline that fact.

Rafa Taking No Risks

Rafa Benitez will wait until lunchtime on Wednesday to confirm whether or not Steven Gerrard will figure against Real Madrid.

Benitez will assess the Reds captain in two upcoming training sessions before making his decision ahead of the daunting trip to the Bernabeu.

Madrid are sure to be a difficult side to overhaul having won their last nine league matches.

And with Gerrard key to Liverpool's success in the competition, Benitez is hoping his star player can overcome a hamstring problem in time for the first leg in Spain.

"It will not be a gamble. If the doctor says he is okay, then it is not a risk," said Benitez.

"Steven is more mature now, he would not make a decision that would be considered a risk.

"He will be involved in light training sessions, we will not try to hide anything. We will make a decision when we are sure.

"Gerrard knows he must give something to the team, and if he cannot do that he will know he is not ready. I can trust Steven on that."

Gerrard's involvement in Liverpool's upcoming European exploits is not the only topic of discussion around the Reds camp, with Benitez yet to agree a new contract at Anfield.

Asked if he felt the club's progress in Europe's elite competition would affect his future on Merseyside, Benitez said: "Of course not, these are important games for us as a club.

"We have important games now and I only want to concentrate on football.

"You have to judge a manager for his career, not just for one or two games.

"This is a big (against Madrid), but not just because I used to play and work here.

"I am a professional, so I want to win with my team, that is the only motivation for me."

Arbeloa - Madrid In My Past

Liverpool full-back Alvaro Arbeloa insists that he has no regrets about his time at Real Madrid, as he prepares to face his former club in the UEFA Champions League knockout stages.

Arbeloa joined the Real Madrid youth ranks at the age of 16, working his way through the Madrid C team and 'Castilla' reserve side, before departing the club in 2006 with just a handful of first team appearances under his belt.

Far more fruitful spells with Deportivo La Coruna and Liverpool have since followed, but the versatile defender is adamant that he still looks back at his Real Madrid career with fondness.

"It was difficult for me to play in Madrid," Arbeloa told LFC Magazine.

"So I had no other option but to move on. Even so, I had a great time there and I wouldn't say I was disappointed in the way my Madrid career ended."

Arbeloa was a product of the well-renowned youth set-up that has nurtured current first-team stars such as Iker Casillas, Guti and Raul.

But with the shadow of the 'Galactico' era still hanging over the Bernabeu, the club's hierarchy has been accused of hindering youth progression by favouring bought-in talent - a factor that Arbeloa believes contributed to his eventual exit.

"Only two players from the Castilla team that I played for managed to make any kind of impression in the first team," he added.

"They were Francisco Pavon and Alvaro Mejia and they have since left as well.

"I stayed there for another 18 months but in the end there was no option for me but to leave."

Three years have now passed since Arbeloa's exit from Madrid, and although the defender admits that ties will undoubtedly remain between him and the club, he is sure that it will be purely Liverpool on his mind on Wednesday.

He added: "It will be strange playing against Real. But the team and management has changed a lot since I was there, so there is no sentiment. We go there to win."

SPL Deal Thrills Liverpool Youth

Liverpool teenager John Marsden says he is delighted to have signed a professional contract with Scottish Premier League side Celtic.

The 16-year-old has penned a three-year deal with the Glasgow giants.

He told BBC Radio Merseyside: "The deal Celtic offered me was better than any English club could have done.

"You can turn professional at 16 up in Scotland, which is not the case in England as you have to wait until you are 17."

And Marsden, who broke a number of junior goalscoring records on Merseyside, believes moving to Scotland can help his development as a player.

"Because of a lack of money at most Scottish clubs they purchase young lads and bring them through.

"They can't just go and buy a Fernando Torres for £25m."

Marsden, a former trainee at Wigan Athletic, scored 91 goals during his four-and-a-half season spell with the Greater Manchester club.

And after securing his first professional contract he said he is now focused on regaining full fitness following a metatarsal injury and returning to action.

"My target for this season is to get fit and play a few games for the under-19s and hopefully next season you'll see the best of me," said Marsden.

"I was in the process of signing for Celtic when I got injured but they were good enough to still sign me and continue with my rehab up here."

Does Rafael Benitez Need The Champions League To Save His Job At Liverpool?

It seems yet again that it will be the CL or nothing for the Reds boss - would another trophy-less season signal the end of his time at Anfield?

Another day, another draw at Anfield. A season that had rarely inspired but remained inconspicuously solid has hit that ominous slide prophesized by Sir Alex Ferguson all those weeks ago. Liverpool are out of both domestic cups and now seven points behind Manchester United at the top of the Premier League table.

The Reds had the better of the game on Sunday and were unfortunate not to take three points from a Manchester City side that are still not looking anything near their worth. That being said, a more flattering post-mortem for Rafa & Co. provides little comfort when coming to the realization that it's still a dead body that's staring them in the face: their chances of league success are dead in the water for yet another season.

They were at one point as far as 10 points in the clear - although at that stage United had games in hand - but Rafa's 'mind games' opus has since seen the Reds' terminal deficiencies come right out of remission to shatter their confidence and further strengthen bitter rivals United's claim to be the new Kings of England, with a potential third consecutive championship that would pull them level with Liverpool's all-time league title haul of 18.

Benitez has ultimately failed to build on his Champions League triumph in 2005, a fairytale ending to his first season in charge at Anfield. He took a team with only half the quality of his current squad far further than their calibre would have suggested, and even beyond what any supporter would have expected. Without that unbelievable run, Rafa would have long been out of a job and few fans would have had a second thought about it.

He has since overspent and underachieved. Complaining about a lack of backing from the boardroom would be one thing, but to bemoan not having the spending power of United or Chelsea while wasting as much as £20 million on Robbie Keane and going in for a £17m Gareth Barry with Xabi Alonso already in your ranks borders on absurd delusion. Rafa has had more than enough money to compete for the title, but beyond the big-money signings of Fernando Torres and Javier Mascherano, he has simply not spent well enough and has thus been reduced to shoe-horning the likes of Ryan Babel and Dirk Kuyt into positions they are not fit to play at the highest level.

There is only so much time a single title can buy any manager, and Liverpool's progress under Benitez has been minimal in proportion to that of teams both above and below them in the table. At some point, the fans need to get past Istanbul and accept that a fresh direction is needed at Anfield if they are to stand any chance of returning to their all-conquering former selves. To become the new Manchester United - or rather, the old Liverpool.

But what if he does it again? Real Madrid loom on Wednesday and if there's one thing you can say about Rafa Benitez, it's that on his day - somehow, some way - he can beat anyone. Should that be enough to keep him in the Red hotseat? No. Will it? Most certainly yes.

So once more, all Rafa's eggs are in the Champions League basket and his job is all but on the line. In light of the fact-loving Spaniard's current strained relationship with his superiors, for them to bend to his will - as it will evidently have to be - will take something incredibly special. They will need to win it, and while they are far from favourites, one thing Rafa can guarantee them at this moment in time that almost no other manager can is a fighting chance.

Sir Alex Ferguson Believes Real Madrid Will Be 'Too Slow' For Liverpool

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has once again spoken of Real Madrid in a less than flattering light, even claiming that they will not be able to beat a more local foe in the form of Liverpool.

Along with United's own encounter against Inter, Madrid facing Liverpool is a glamour tie for football fans all across the globe, as the most successful club in Spain takes on their equivalent in England. Their trophy cabinets hold an incredible 14 European Cups between them.

Real Madrid demolished Real Betis by six goals to one at the weekend, while Liverpool were unable to overcome Manchester City.

Sir Alex believed two weeks ago that the pace of the Premier League side will see Liverpool prevail over Los Blancos, and that Real have "no chance", but whether he will have altered his viewpoint over his earlier bold claims remains to be seen.

He is quoted by the Mirror as saying, "Their game lacks pace. They have great players like [Gabriel] Heinze, [Fabio] Cannavaro, [Fernando] Gago, but they aren't quick. There is [Arjen] Robben, the only one who can give them some rhythm, but he isn't very brave."

Regarding who he believes has the greatest chance of winning the competition this season, Ferguson indicated that there is a great chance that the Champions League will remain in England.

"The [other] three English teams - Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal - or Barcelona [are the favourites, along with United]," he said. "The level of the Premier League is so elevated that it prepares you for games at the highest level. And Barcelona can count on a fantastic player - [Lionel] Messi."

Manchester United take on Inter on Tuesday evening, while Liverpool have to wait until Wednesday to compete against Real Madrid.

Benitez Ponders Returning Gerrard’s Real Role

Rafael Benitez must decide whether to risk the fitness of Steven Gerrard during Liverpool’s increasingly pivotal Champions League clash at Real Madrid tomorrow.

The Anfield skipper will board the plane for Spain today after being included in the squad to play at the Bernabeu in the first knockout round first leg tie.

Gerrard has been sidelined for almost three weeks after suffering a small hamstring tear early on in the FA Cup fourth round replay defeat at Everton.

The 28-year-old, who has been undergoing intense rehabilitation in a bid to be fit for the trip to Madrid, came through a training session yesterday morning.

However, Benitez admits the player was not fully extended during the fitness test and doubts remain over whether Gerrard will be able to command a starting role.

“Steven will be in the squad,” said the Liverpool manager yesterday. “He was okay in training this morning. It was a special training session so we were not testing him 100%, but he trained okay so we will see.”

Tomorrow’s Champions League tie has taken on extra significance given Liverpool’s indifferent form in the Premier League.

The Anfield outfit’s championship challenge has floundered in recent weeks to allow leaders Manchester United to stretch seven points clear.

And having been dumped out of the FA Cup by their neighbours, Europe once again appears the most likely route to silverware for Benitez’s side.

Jamie Carragher admits Liverpool’s title hopes were dealt a severe blow by that result, but reckons the Anfield outfit can reignite their challenge provided they win at Old Trafford on March 14.

“It’s going to be difficult but we aren’t about to throw in the towel,” he said. “There are still points to be played for.

“We were disappointed to lose two points against City and it puts more pressure on us to go to Old Trafford and try and get a win, but if you want to win the title, that’s what you’ve got to do.

“We’ve been to some big grounds this season and got some good results so hopefully we can do that there too.

“We can’t worry too much about what Man United are doing. We’ve got to focus on our own matches and try and do better.”

Sunday’s draw was Liverpool’s sixth such result in 13 home league games this season.

And Carragher added: “We have drawn too many at home but we don’t know how the season will end yet and we could still go on a great run and catch Manchester United.

“We are capable of that, but if at the end of the season it hasn’t gone as well as we would have liked, it’s something we will probably look at.

“A lot of teams come to Anfield and sit deep and that’s something we’ve got to try and overcome at home. We don’t lose often here but we need to turn some of the draws into wins.”

Daniel Agger To Miss Liverpool's Clash With Real Madrid

Daniel Agger has been omitted from the Liverpool squad for Wednesday's Champions League fixture against Real Madrid, the club's official website revealed last night.

While Steven Gerrard came through a late fitness test with no dramas, Agger will remain on Merseyside as he continues to recover from a back injury.

Philipp Degen, the Swiss full-back, will also stay mired on the sidelines.

"Gerrard will travel, Degen is still out and Agger has a problem - everyone else is fit," said manager Rafael Benitez.

Thus, either Sami Hyypia or Martin Skrtel should partner Jamie Carragher in central defence.

Confident Kuyt Targets A Successful Bernabeu Bow

Dirk Kuyt is convinced Liverpool can still stun Real Madrid in their own backyard tomorrow even though their Premier League title dreams now stand precariously in the balance.

Rafael Benitez’s side were visibly shattered by the 1-1 home draw with Manchester City on Sunday which left them seven points adrift of leaders Manchester United with 12 games remaining.

Kuyt’s late equaliser, his ninth goal of the season, saved face but did little to lift the gloomy reality that swept over Anfield.

But the Dutchman tried his best to rally colleagues and fans alike with Liverpool facing a tough away clash with Madrid on Wednesday in the last 16 of the Champions League.

The task of reaching the last eight in Europe has been made more difficult by Real’s stunning current form which boasts nine successive La Liga victories and a remarkable 6-1 rout of Real Betis on Saturday.

But Kuyt said: “What we must do is turn our attention to the next big game in Madrid, we must concentrate on getting the right result there.

“If we do that in Madrid it will boost our confidence as we try to win the final league games.

“Whatever seems to be happening in our league matches, we always seem to turn in a good performance in the Champions League.

“Madrid will be tough, we must be ready. But we believe we can get the right result there.

“I watched Real Madrid on TV on Saturday scoring six against Real Betis, they were excellent. I always make sure I watch them when I can because they have such quality.

“We are not scared of them. When you get beyond the group stages of the Champions League everyone there is a good team.

“It will be a fantastic game for us. I have never played in the Bernabeu, it is one of those great stadiums I have on my list to play at, and that chance is here.

“So that is an incentive to do well and produce my best form. And if we do get a good result there, it will give us a good lift.”

He added: “That is what we want. We are sure we can beat sides with the quality of Madrid. We have shown that this season.

“We have beaten Chelsea twice, we have beaten Manchester United and we know we can do it. We just have to be ready.

“We have always known we must win at Manchester United, the gap is bigger than we would have liked but we must keep going and retain our confidence.

“The Bernabeu is a stadium I have always wanted to play at. Just like the Nou Camp a couple of years ago.

“We beat Barcelona that night and nobody expected it, so we know we can beat Real Madrid too.”

Kuyt concedes catching Manchester United in the title race will be very difficult.

He said after the draw with Mark Hughes’s City: “We were really disappointed with the game, we knew we had to win to close the gap on United.

“We tried everything, we controlled much of the match but could not get the result.

“We dominated the first half before Craig (Bellamy) scored a good goal for City.

“It is not impossible to catch Manchester United. The situation has not changed much, we have always needed to win our games.

“The gap has been a few points for some while and we have just needed to maintain our form and keep in touch with United.”

Martin Skrtel Still Aiming For Liverpool Double

Sunday's 1-1 draw with Manchester City saw Liverpool slip seven points behind the Premier League leaders, Manchester United, with just 12 games remaining.

Thus, there is an air of tension around Anfield ahead of Wednesday's Champions League date with Real Madrid, but Martin Skrtel still has his heart set on hauling in the Red Devils and lifting silverware in Rome.

"It won't be easy but there are still a lot of games until the end of the season and we will do everything we can to try and win two trophies this season," the 24-year-old said on Liverpool's official website.

Nevertheless, the Slovakian international is well aware that he and the rest of Rafael Benitez's men must turn their form around soon if they are to win anything at all this season.

"It's frustrating because we are fighting for first place in the Premier League and we have to try and win every game," continued Skrtel.

"I think if we had scored in the first half [against Man City] it would have been easier for us to win. I was really disappointed afterwards because we wanted to win. It was a draw and we dropped two points, but that's football.

"We have to win every game now and hope United drop some points."

Liverpool Under-18s Celebrate 4-0 Comback

Liverpool under-18s bounced back from the 4-0 defeat to West Bromwich Albion the previous week to land their first FA Premier Academy League victory of 2009 as they beat Crewe Alexandra 3-1.

Hugh McAuley’s side were in fine form and goals from Nathan Eccleston, David Amoo and Alex Kacaniklic gave them a boost ahead of Friday’s FA Youth Cup quarter-final with Bolton Wanderers at Anfield.

Early on Amoo has one headed effort, Lauri Dalla Valle was denied superbly by Crewe keeper Daniel Platt, while Kacaniklic saw a shot cleared off the line. Platt also denied Eccleston on the half-hour, before Liverpool took the lead seven minutes late. A fine run by Amoo teed up Eccleston, but despite Platt again saving his initial effort, he fired home the rebound.

Crewe quickly drew level with a flicked header at the near post. But Amoo restored the lead following an excellent run and shot at the near post. Seven minutes after the restart Liverpool added a third goal when Kacaniklic scored from close range. Liverpool continued to press for more goals Platt again saving well from Eccleston, while Dalla Valle, Michael Scott and Amoo all went close to extending the lead.

Coach McAuley was delighted with his efforts and said: “We needed to bounce back after last week’s defeat to West Brom. We had the big hitters out, if you like, and it was a very good performance. It was a good football match which it always is against Crewe. In the first half it was a bit end-to-end and they had one or two chances, but we dealt with them well. Generally speaking we played good football throughout and controlled the game, which was very pleasing.”

McAuley added: “The goals we scored were good and we had other chances as well. It was ideal preparation and sets us up nicely for the cup match. Overall it was a pleasing day at the office.”

LIVERPOOL UNDER-18s: Bouzanis; Scott, Metcalfe, Kennedy, Robinson; Amoo, Pepper (Roberts 75), Irwin, Kacaniklic; Eccleston, Dalla Valle (Cooper 85). Subs: Duyan, O’Connor.

Steven Gerrard Could Return For Liverpool's Real Madrid Clash

‘Pool manager Rafael Benitez has revealed the club will decide whether the midfielder is fit enough after training on Monday.

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has only missed the club's last two fixtures, but his absence has been sorely felt during that short period.

The Reds struggled to overcome a struggling Portsmouth side at Fratton Park on February 7, although they did eventually pick up three points with a 3-2 win.

However, the Merseyside-based outfit lost further ground on Premier League table toppers Manchester United yesterday as they were held to a disappointing 1-1 draw at home to Manchester City.

Next up for Liverpool is Real Madrid at the Bernabeu on Wednesday evening in the Champions League and Reds manager Rafael Benitez has revealed Gerrard may be fit enough to play.

"Gerrard may be fit for Wednesday," the Spaniard told Liverpool's official website.

"He has to train on Monday and then we will let the doctor decide. It's not an easy decision but he's very close and hopefully he'll be okay."

Jerzy Dudek Knows That Liverpool Pose More Problems Than Just Fernando Torres

Iker Casillas' understudy at the Bernabeu has stated that 'El Nino' is not the only player who can worry Los Blancos' in their Champions League clash with Liverpool.

The Champions League makes a welcome return this week after an 8-week sabbatical, and the round of sixteen witnesses some mouth-watering clashes, none more so than the titanic battle between Real Madrid and Liverpool.

Madrid have found some formidable form since Jaunde Ramos took over as manager in December, and are unbeaten in 2009. Liverpool meanwhile are struggling to keep pace with Manchester United in the Premier League, and that title seems to be slipping away from them.

However, Polish stopper Jerzy Dudek is under no illusions, knowing that domestic form can count for nothing at this stage of the tournament, and believes that while Spanish forward Fernando Torres is a great talent, Liverpool have quality in all areas of the pitch.

He said, "[Fernando] Torres has great speed and is a player who can make a difference. But I think it would be a mistake to choose only one Liverpool player who can be dangerous.

"[Pepe] Reina is an excellent goalkeeper, while in defence [Jamie] Carragher has great quality in the air. [Steven] Gerrard and [Xabi] Alonso play with a great tempo in midfield, and this forms a superb spine to their team."

Dudek also believes that the matches are likely to be close encounters with little to choose between the sides.

He added, "Real Madrid and Liverpool are two sides who have worked well in their defence, so I would be surprised to see many goals scored."

The pair clash on Wednesday evening with the first leg taking place at the Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid.

Cannavaro Has Reds Gameplan

Fabio Cannavaro has called on Real Madrid to "play smart" in their Champions League last-16 tie against Liverpool.

The Spanish giants meet the Merseysiders on Wednesday in the first leg at the Bernabeu on the back of a 6-1 thrashing of Real Betis - their ninth successive Primera Liga win under new coach Juande Ramos.

The deficit to leaders Barcelona has been trimmed to seven points, breathing new life into the title race and boosting morale further ahead of the visit of Rafael Benitez's men.

Italy defender Cannavaro told Real Madrid's website: "We're in good form.

"The team is doing well and it has the fans' support. We're up against a historic team that is used to winning the Champions League. We must play smart, score and not concede any goals."

Cannavaro is likely to come up against Liverpool striker Fernando Torres, a player he admires.

"He's a player I like very much. He's gained a lot of confidence playing outside of Spain," he added.

"He also won the European Championship last summer with Spain. He's one of Europe's best strikers."

Cannavaro also had words of praise for Ramos, who has revitalised a Madrid squad underachieving under previous boss Bernd Schuster.

The former Juventus centre-half believes Ramos, sacked by Tottenham in October, has done wonders for team spirit.

"The coach is doing a good job, we've gone back to being a team," he said.

"We made many mistakes during the first half of the season because we thought we could win just by wearing this shirt.

"We need to play as a team. That's what Juande has done."

Match Report: LiverpooL 1 - 1 Manchester City

Liverpool's title dreams appear all but over after they were held at home by Mark Hughes' Manchester City at Anfield.

Hughes finally saw his expensive side produce a display of substance after an erratic season, and it did a big favour for his former employers Manchester United.

United will have relished this performance by their neighbours, which could have given the crown to the Old Trafford club.

Liverpool started the game eight points behind the champions, and this one point leaves them a seemingly impossible mountain to climb with just 12 games left.

City took the lead early in the second half through former Liverpool forward Craig Bellamy, which left Liverpool with an increasingly desperate fight on their hands.

Eventually Dirk Kuyt scored his ninth goal of the season to save the club's 14-month unbeaten home league record, but as Anfield emptied at the end, the muted response of their fans said it all.

Liverpool made four changes from the side that won at Portsmouth last time out.

There was still no Steven Gerrard with his hamstring injury, while Lucas, back from suspension, Fernando Torres, Dirk Kuyt and Albert Riera returned to the starting line-up in place of Ryan Babel, David Ngog, Fabio Aurelio and Daniel Agger.

City made one enforced change from the side that drew 2-2 at FC Copenhagen in the UEFA Cup on Thursday, Nigel de Jong replacing the suspended Shaun Wright-Phillips.

City's defensive frailties shown in Denmark were far from evident in this Barclays Premier League clash.

Despite being under plenty of early pressure, Shay Given was rarely called into action.

Riera headed wide from an Alvaro Arbeloa cross, under intense pressure from Micah Richards. Then Jamie Carragher's long ball down the right was touched on by Yossi Benayoun for Torres to fire wide first time.

Kuyt was next away on the right, with Richard Dunne clearing the near post cross from Riera's toes, while both Lucas and Yossi Benayoun failed to connect with crosses.

The pressure mounted and Kuyt drove wide after being set up by Torres before Richards then chested away a Riera hook in the six-yard box.

City had weathered Liverpool's early fire and eased their way into the game. They should have scored after 30 minutes when Andrea Dossena lost possession and the ball was switched immediately to Robinho.

The little Brazilian had been very quiet in the early stages, but he jinked inside to lay a pass invitingly into Stephen Ireland's stride.

The Irishman had a free run at Jose Reina, but the Spanish keeper blocked the first shot, with Ireland firing the rebound into the side netting.

Torres set up Riera and Benayoun, both chances flying wide before Kuyt missed with a far-post header to end a frustrating half for Liverpool.

Four minutes into the second period, City were ahead. Robinho fed the ball into the box for Vincent Kompany to turn it into the path of Craig Bellamy.

And the former Liverpool forward struck a 49th-minute shot from the corner of the penalty area that flicked off Arbeloa, but the effort was clearly on target and flew past Reina into the far corner.

This was the fourth time this season that Bellamy has scored against a former club, having netted for West Ham against Newcastle and Blackburn, and for City also against Newcastle.

Ireland had an effort disallowed for offside, Liverpool leaving gaps now as they went forward looking for an equaliser.

Kompany was booked for a high challenge on Martin Skrtel, with Liverpool having brought on young winger Nabil El Zhar for Riera, with the Moroccan soon booked for a foul on Pablo Zabaleta.

City, who had gradually grown into this game, started to look like a team which has had £120million spent on it in under a year.

They flowed forward, looked fierce and committed, while Liverpool lacked the leadership of Gerrard.

But the Reds responded with fight of their own. After 78 minutes Benayoun got away on the left and drove in a cross that Torres missed in the six-yard box, allowing Kuyt to force home the equaliser.

Kuyt them forced his way past countryman De Jong, and cracked in a fierce 25-yarder that Given beat away. Given's next save, a close range block from Benayoun, was even better.

But when Benayoun hurled himself at the rebound, the ball looked to hit Dunne's arm as it deflected away.

Liverpool had Aurelio and Babel on for Dossena and Mascherano by now, a point just not good enough. Kuyt spun to fire across goal and a foot wide.

City then took off Robinho and sent on Felipe Caicedo up front for the final minutes as Liverpool searched in vain for a winner.

Benitez: Liverpool Must Win At Old Trafford

Rafa Benitez has conceded that Liverpool must win at Manchester United to claim the Premier League title.

The Reds' title challenge suffered another set-back on Sunday when they were held to a 1-1 draw by Manchester City at Anfield. They now lie seven points adrift of Sir Alex Ferguson's champions, but they still have to play at Old Trafford.

And Benitez admits that nothing less than victory against their biggest rivals will do, otherwise their dreams of a first title since 1990 will be gone.

"I think we will have to beat Manchester United now," said Benitez, whose side are due at United on March 14th. "Clearly it is more difficult now. It is a bad result. We have to beat Middlesbrough and Sunderland and start thinking about if we can win at Old Trafford.

"You never know what can happen but clearly they can win games and win games without playing well.

"I have confidence that we can beat Middlesbrough and Sunderland and then it will be a different situation. There are still 12 games to go, you can't say anything is finished."

And City boss Mark Hughes summed up the situation, saying: ''Manchester United will have to slip up now, and they do not do that very often.

''There are still a lot of games to go, but it is very much in their hands and they will have to lose three games now. You cannot see them doing that.''

Hughes' side did his former employers a massive favour after Craig Bellamy's deflected shot put City ahead, only a late Dirk Kuyt strike preserving Liverpool's 14-month unbeaten home league record.

''That was an excellent performance and we were good value for the point and probably deserved more,'' Hughes added. ''We were playing a side going for the title, and after we had been involved in a tiring UEFA Cup game in Denmark on Thursday.

''But we put in an excellent performance, we were strong and resilient and we deserved the result.''

Hughes also praised Bellamy, whose shot from the edge of the box secured the lead in the second period.

He said: ''It is always the case a club's ex-players want to do well against them. Craig is a proud man and maybe he feels he did not get a fair crack of the whip when he was at Liverpool. He has played extremely well since he joined us.''

A despondent Benitez refused to be drawn on his contract negotiations, which again cast a shadow over Anfield and would only say: ''I have not said anything about this in a press conference, and we must now concentrate on football.''

Benitez will also assess skipper Steven Gerrard's fitness before deciding whether his hamstring injury can be risked in the Bernabeu.

He added: ''We will talk with Steven and the doctors, he is improving but we will make a decision after he has trained.''

Carragher Not Giving Up On Liverpool Title Push

The iconic defender is not giving up on the Premier League title just yet, despite the crown seemingly slipping further from their grasp today.

Liverpool centre-back Jamie Carragher is refusing to admit defeat in his club's challenge to bring the league title back to Anfield for the first time in 19 years, after a disappointing 1-1 draw with Manchester City on Merseyside today appeared, to all intents and purposes, to have ended the Reds' hopes.

"Yeah, it is a big blow," Carragher told Sky Sports News. "We were five points behind before the weekend, which was something we try to cut over the weekend, but with Manchester United winning and us drawing it has gone the other way.

"We would have prefered to have gone three or four points behind and it is going to make it more difficult for ourselves, but there is still a long way to go."

Liverpool travel down the East Lancs Road themselves on March 14 to take on City's local rivals Manchester United in a game that many had pinpointed as being crucial to the eventual outcome of the Premier League.

After today's result, it may well turn out to be less vital than anticipated, but Carragher feels that a winning run centered upon that game will pull the Reds back into the mix.

"I think we are going to have to go on a great run to catch Man United but I think we are capable of that," he added.

"We have still got to go there and it looks like we are going to have to win there, which is going to be difficult as they are a great side Man Utd, but that is something we are going to have to do I think."

As for today's game, the former England defender felt that, although City deserved much credit, Liverpool had clearly not performed anything like their best.

"You have got to give credit to Man City but we probably never created as much as we have liked," he said.

"But to come back into it from 1-0 down we are pleased with that, we have done it a few times coming back this season but couldn't quite do it today."

Liverpool Boss Benitez Set For The Sack

Rafa Benitez may no longer have the chance to sign a new contract if Liverpool crash out of the Champions League and continue to lose ground of Manchester United in the Premier League.

Yesterday's 1-1 draw with Manchester City at Anfield means the Reds are now seven points behind their arch-enemies and with a vastly inferior goal difference.

The two teams have to play each other next month and a failure to keep in the race by carving out a critical victory could cost Benitez his job.

Liverpool co-owner Tom Hicks runs the Texas Rangers in Major League Baseball where he has shown he is not afraid to fire underachieving managers and Benitez is also losing faith with George Gillet, who shares power at Anfield, meaning his job security could soon hang in the balance.

Benitez was in a position of strength at the turn of the year when Liverpool were favourites to win their first title in nearly two decades.

But six home draws and four shares of the spoils away from home mean no team has drawn more than Liverpool in the league this season.

And with his Champions League triumph in Istanbul now fading into distant memory and his refusal to sign a new deal irking his bosses, there is no doubt the Spanish manager's lustre is also beginning to fade.

His position will become untenable if Liverpool fail to beat Middlesbrough at the Riverside on Saturday and crash out to Real Madrid in the Champions League.

After that they face Sunderland and then it's off to United at Old Trafford where Sir Alex Ferguson's team could hammer the final nail in Benitez' managerial coffin.

If the axe falls on the former Valencia coach, former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, now at Inter Milan, will be the favourite to take command with Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill also in the running.

Reina Ready For Real Test

Pepe Reina knows that he and Iker Casillas will be watched closely when Real Madrid play Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday, but thinks there is not much difference between the two teams.

The Anfield shot-stopper is full of admiration for Los Blancos and is looking forward to locking horns with his international team-mate Casillas.

Liverpool head to the Spanish capital for the first leg of the enticing European encounter and Reina believes that they will have to be at their best to beat Real's talismanic keeper and register an all-important away goal.

"We will be compared as people speak about me and him, but it is not about Casillas and Reina, it is Real Madrid and Liverpool in the Champions League," he told AS.

"He was without doubt the best goalkeeper of 2008. He is the best in the world, but I think there is little difference between the best keepers."

There is not much between the teams, according to Reina, and the side that progresses to the next round could well be the one that makes the least errors.

"The two teams are very similar and small details could decide the tie. I think Madrid are more confident now and more organised," he continued.

"I think the winning team will be the one that makes the least mistakes."

Reina is not anti-Real Madrid despite his family connections to Atletico Madrid, where his father spent much of his career, and his many years spent learning his trade with Barcelona.

"I like to see Barca win because I came through the ranks there, but I am not a supporter. I also want to see Villarreal do well for the same reason," he explained.

"I am not anti-Madrid. I was always taught to be anti-nobody and everyone has a good side. I will not dislike something because it is a system."

City Setback Proves Just How Much Liverpool Need Stevie G

Liverpool fans were enraged by the suggestion in this column last November that Rafa Benitez's side relied too heavily on Steven Gerrard.

Don't worry, there is no need to apologise now that it must have become obvious to even the most blinkered supporter after Sunday's 1-1 draw with Manchester City.

Even Benitez, the manager whose grip on the job at Anfield has never looked weaker, might admit to the problem in private (in public he sticks with a state of denial, claiming the title race is not over yet).

There are a few other key players too of course (think Xabi Alonso, who Benitez wanted to replace with Gareth Barry) but the thin Liverpool squad cannot manage for long without Gerrard and unless he recovers from his hamstring injury and is fit to face Real Madrid in the Champions League it could all end in tears.

Rafa Benitez Contract Row Overshadows Liverpool's Title Ambitions

Rafa Benitez’s Anfield future continues to overshadow his side’s pursuit of Premier League leaders Manchester United, with reports claiming the Liverpool manager is ready to quit the club.

The Sunday Mirror says Benitez will leave Liverpool at the end of the season after making clear to the club’s owners that he is unwilling to work under chief executive Rick Parry.

Benitez rejected a new deal because he wanted more control over transfer policy, and with Real Madrid likely to recruit a new manager in the summer, his future is far from clear.

The Sunday Mirror quotes a source close to Benitez saying: "It has been claimed that Rafa wants full power on transfers, contracts and the academy, but what he really wants is everyone at the club pulling in the same direction.

"The club are missing out on transfer targets and that contracts for players and staff are not being done because things move too slowly. Rafa had transfer targets lined up in January.

Manchester United’s 2-1 victory over Blackburn has left Liverpool eight points behind the champions ahead of their game against Manchester City.

United were below their best, but Sir Alex Ferguson believes the manner of their victory shows they have the making of champions.

“When we're in a controlling position, we gave away a really bad goal and when you consider how we've defended over the past few weeks that's not indicative of our performances.

"They became very determined in the second half and put on a real show and made it a fight for us.

"Sometimes when you don't play your very best you can get a result like that and it goes some way to winning the title, hopefully."

Meanwhile, United are waiting to discover the extent of the ankle injury suffered by Jonny Evans against Rovers.

Evans faces tests on the injury later today to determine whether he will be fit to face Inter Milan in the Champions League on Tuesday.

Ferguson rates the Northern Ireland international "very doubtful". But he will give Evans every chance because – with Nemanja Vidic suspended, Gary Neville and Wes Brown definitely out and John O'Shea absent from United's latest win due to a heel problem picked up against Fulham – he is facing a defensive nightmare at the San Siro.

Evans missed four matches with the original injury – and since he was also set to feature in next Sunday's Carling Cup final against Tottenham, he can only hope the damage is not as bad this time.

"It is a recurrence of the ankle injury I had before and is a bit tender," he admitted.

"I caught it when I kicked the ground during the game.

"At this point, I don't know whether I will be fit for the San Siro. The doctor said he will have a look at it – and we will have a better picture then."

Keirrison Reveals Big Offers

Brazilian starlet Keirrison has claimed he has rejected some huge offers to move to Europe.

A host of clubs, including Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, have been linked with the 20-year-old forward, who is currently plying his trade with Palmeiras.

He only joined Palmeiras on loan in January from Cortiba, where his contract will expire in 2009, although most of his rights are owned by a third party - Traffic Sports Marketing.

A move this summer looks the most likely option now, although the player insists he wants to see out his current deal with Palmeiras and has set his sights on making the full Brazil squad.

"I want to fulfil my contract with Palmeiras and join the Selecao [national side]," he told French sports paper Aujourd'hui Sport.

"I have received a lot of good offers from Europe and I even refused a truck load to stay in Brazil."

One of Keirrison's agents in the last week revealed that Liverpool, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich had all made contact.

Lyon, Roma and Atletico Madrid are also said to be considering bids for highly-rated Samba starlet.

Premier League Preview: Liverpool vs. Manchester City

Rafa Benitez heads into one of the most crucial phases in his Liverpool tenure as he searches for the elusive domestic title that has evaded the Spaniard since arriving on Merseyside.

The Mighty Reds sit eight points behind Manchester United and need to win against Manchester City to remain in touching distance of last year's champions. The Anfield outfit relinquished their league leading status as Manchester United began their amazing fourteen game clean-sheet run, which was ended by Blackburn after playing 1,334 without conceding a goal. Benitez will be eager to stay close to the Red Devils but will have a tricky tie in the shape of the unpredictable City.

The return to form of Fernando Torres comes as a relief to the Spanish gaffer who already off-loaded Robbie Keane in the January transfer window after the Irishman failed to impress as Torres’ strike partner.

With three goals from two games, El Nino's return to form might give the Liverpool the push they need to truly re-enter the title race. However, Benitez has several key injury concerns on his hands for this crucial encounter, especially with the tantalizing date with Real Madrid in the Champions League looming on the horizon.

Mark Hughes has been managing more off-the-field than on it in the last few weeks as he has had to deal with the Kaka debacle and two first-team player arrests, all while trying to shape and steer a side towards a successful run of results.

The former Blackburn manager has found nothing easy since arriving at Manchester City in the summer, yet simply finding himself still with a job after the Citizens' inconsistent run of form under immense media and boardroom pressure is impressive at this point of the campaign.

The Blues still find themselves in the hunt for silverware via the UEFA Cup, although they stammered slightly in midweek when they twice gave up the lead to allow FC Copenhagen to earn a draw in the first leg of the round of 32 clash.

The disappointing meltdown, coupled with their dismal performance against Portsmouth last weekend, will have Hughes desperate for a good result, but points may be hard to come by at Anfield this weekend. If the Citizens are to take anything away from it, they will have to be at their best.


FORM GUIDE

Liverpool

Liverpool 1-1 Everton (EA)
Wigan 1-1 Liverpool (EPL)
Liverpool 2-0 Chelsea (EPL)
Everton 1-0 Liverpool (FA)
Portsmouth 2-3 Liverpool (EPL)

Manchester City

Man City 1-0 Wigan (EPL)
Man City 2-1 Newcastle (EPL)
Stoke 1-0 Man City (EPL)
Man City 1-0 Middlesbrough (EPL)
Portsmouth 2-0 Man City (EPL)


TEAM NEWS

Liverpool

Benitez will not be risking the hamstrung Steven Gerrard for this clash ahead of the Reds Champions League encounter with Madrid this Wednesday. But midfielder Lucas returns after serving his ban following his dismissal against Everton.

Xabi Alonso, on the other hand, will miss out as he serves his own one-match suspension.

Dirk Kuyt and Fernando Torres should find themselves in the starting line-up after coming on as subs against Portsmouth in the last round of the Premier League.

Manchester City

Shaun Wright-Phillips will serve the second of his three-match suspension, while Richard Dunne makes his first appearance back since his four-match ban for kicking out at Amr Zaki.

Micah Richards recovered to play against Copenhagen midweek after missing last weekend’s tussle with Portsmouth, and should be fit to start against Liverpool.

Both Nedum Onuoha and Vincent Kompany have impressed while deputising, yet with Dunne returning from suspension one will have to make way for the captain’s comeback.

Nigel De Jong should return to the starting line-up after not making the UEFA Cup squad list, while Gelson Fernandes remains out with a hamstring injury.


PLAYERS TO WATCH

Liverpool

Fernando Torres has three goals in his last two games and has found his form at the right time. When it seemed injuries were going to get the better of the Spaniard this season, he has bounced back to show his true form and will lead the line as the Reds look to challenge for the Premier League title.

Manchester City

Feisty Welshman Craig Bellamy returns to Anfield, and to yet another one of his old clubs, as the striker looks to continue his impressive scoring run. He may not be the target man Hughes had in mind for the January window, yet his pace, finishing, and experience have earned City valuable points since his arrival.

Spanish Inquisition: Why Liverpool Should Fear Real Madrid

As two of the most successful and illustrious clubs in Europe prepare to lock horns, Goal.com’s KS Leong explores the reasons why Real Madrid have every right to believe that Liverpool are afraid of them.

Real Madrid vs. Liverpool. You’d be forgiven for thinking we’ve reached the showpiece final of this season’s Champions League. But we’re only in the first knockout stage and sadly, one of these two European superpowers will have to depart the tournament shortly.

These two sides have amassed 14 titles between them in the history of the competition, four of which have come in the last ten years alone. Yet, the Merengues and the Merseysiders have not met once since the tournament was re-branded the UEFA Champions League. In fact, you’d have to go all the way back to the 1981 European Cup final, which the Reds won 1-0, for their last ever competitive meeting.

It’s not too surprising, though, considering both clubs have had such contrasting fortunes over time. Madrid, after winning the title three times in a span of five years between 1998 and 2002, have never come close again to making another final.

Liverpool, on the other hand, have won it once, made two finals and one semi-final in the last four years since Rafa Benitez took charge of the Anfield hot-seat back in June 2004.

You can understand then why the Spaniards – from both camps, mind you – have been so anxious to build-up the contest by voicing their strong opinions and predictions for the match. Rafael van der Vaart lit the spark when he trumpeted that Liverpool have every reason to be afraid of Madrid.

But Reds goalkeeper, Pepe Reina responded by saying there’s absolutely nothing for his side to fear. In riposte, Blancos defenders, Pepe and Sergio Ramos boomed that they were optimistic of eliminating their English rivals, who retorted with their own show of confidence from Xabi Alonso and Reina again.

On paper, it would seem that there’s nothing to choose from between these two. But upon closer inspection, perhaps Madrid are the slight favourites. Perhaps Liverpool should be afraid.

If this encounter were to take place two months ago, the Red Army would not have hesitated to put their money and their mortgage on their Liverpool side going through to the quarter-finals. And the Madrid faithful probably would, too.

But things have changed dramatically since the turn of the year. Never mind that Benitez’s boys have been in sputtering form or that they have been struggling for consistency, Madrid have simply been in an irresistible hot streak. Nine wins in a row (ten in their last 11 games in all competitions), 25 goals scored, 10 of which came in the last game and a half, and more satisfyingly, conceding just four times.

Los Blancos may not be playing the kind of swashbuckling football to convince bookmakers to install them as favourites to win the competition, but they are getting there; and truth of the matter is that under new coach, Juande Ramos, they know how to grind out a sufficient result. Even more importantly, they know how to keep a clean sheet, which will be extremely crucial considering a single away goal could prove the difference between going home and going to the quarter-finals.

It’s not just the team collectively who have recovered their form. Individually, the players are also back to their very best, from Iker Casillas to Fabio Cannavaro to Arjen Robben and Raul. Confidence and morale will also be a huge factor and around the Bernabeu camp, there are bucket-loads of that to go around, especially after tonight’s 6-1 demolition of Real Betis.

Two months ago, while the English were busy contemplating calling up their bookies and putting their houses on the line, Madrid’s squad were in ruins, not unlike people’s mortgages.

Most of their players could barely string three games together without falling injured, while their key figures such as Ruud van Nistelrooy, Mahamadou Diarra, Cannavaro, Pepe, Robben were dropping off like flies one after the other. At one point, they had more first-team players in the treatment room than they had in the dressing room.

But now, once again, things have improved significantly for the nine-time European champions. For some mystical, mysterious reason, the ‘Men in White’ are not getting injured as much under Juande as they did under Bernd Schuster. Even the Dutch Porcelain, Robben, managed to reel off seven straight games before picking up the most minor of niggles while on international duty two weeks ago.

The wing-wizard, who is in imperious form, will return in time to face Liverpool, as will midfielders Wesley Sneijder and Guti. But the Blancos are generally expected to be much fresher and fitter than their counterparts. While they’ve been playing one game a week for the last two-and-a-half months, the Reds have been busying themselves with FA Cup obligations and occasional midweek outings.

In short, Madrid have played only ten competitive matches since the conclusion of the Champions League group phase, compared to Liverpool’s 13 (inclusive of their clash with Manchester City on Sunday). It doesn’t help either that Steven Gerrard is carrying an injury while Fernando Torres is struggling with fitness.

The ‘White House’ could not have chosen a better candidate to replace Schuster to lead Madrid into the knock-out stage of the tournament. Juande Ramos is an expert when it comes to cup competitions and he might just be the right man to end the club’s Champions League jinx and guide them to the elusive ‘Number 10’.

In a space of just three years, the man from La Mancha won five various titles with Sevilla (two UEFA Cups, Copa del Rey, Spanish Supercopa and UEFA Super Cup) before adding another to his résumé with Tottenham Hotspur (League Cup).

In sharp contrast, Schuster, despite guiding tiny Getafe to the 2006/07 Copa del Rey final prior to his Bernabeu switch, had a dismal track record with Madrid in cup games. There was the flop in the two-legged Supercopa against Juande’s Sevilla, the embarrassing exit in the early stages of the Copa two years in a row, and of course, last season’s disappointing elimination to Roma in this very stage of the Champions League, even though his side earned the advantage – for the first time in four years – of playing the pivotal second leg at home.

This could very well be tagged an ‘all-Spanish clash’. There’s a very high likelihood that Liverpool could have more Spanish players on the pitch than Madrid. Well, let’s just put it this way: there will be more Spaniards on the field than there will be Englishmen, even if you count Madrid’s newly appointed Anglo-Saxon groundsman.

But that fact in itself has little significance on the game. The key element here is that the Merseysiders have a distinct edge over their opponents thanks to the heavy Spanish influence in their squad. But Madrid have their own secret weapon. They have their own English contingent… or rather, ex-Premier League contingent.

Players like Gabriel Heinze, Lassana Diarra, Julien Faubert, Robben and coach, Juande himself, all have substantial knowledge of and insight into the English game, their mentality, their subtle tricks, their strengths and weaknesses, to nullify Liverpool’s advantage. Their presence will also come in handy in the return leg at Anfield where Rafa’s side will be playing with 12 men, including the Kop.

Madrid’s wretched form in this competition over the past half a decade has made them extremely hungry for glory. And after watching some of their closest continental rivals such as Barcelona, Milan and Manchester United succeed over the past few years, that hunger has turned into an obsession.

While it’s one thing not to win the Champions League or go all the way to the final, it’s quite another not to have progressed past the round of 16 four seasons in succession. For a club of Madrid’s stature and history, it’s nothing short of a catastrophe.

Liverpool will no doubt have their own burning ambitions to win Europe’s top prize for a sixth time, but there’s no denying that lifting their 19th domestic crown – and their first since 1990 – has become their very own obsession. This season, they have perhaps their best chance in a long, long while to put an end to that barren spell.

But for Madrid, having already won back-to-back league honours, they have an unfathomable desire to become the very first club to reach double digits in the Champions League trophy count. And besides, with La Liga still looking a tad out of reach, although they have now cut the gap down from 12 to seven points in a space of a week, this may be their best shot of major silverware this campaign. If they can pull off the double, even better.

Barca Fan Reina Is Desperate To Down Real As Keeper Counts Down To Bernabeu Clash

Jose Reina was a Barcelona fan as a boy, but that is not the only reason the Liverpool goalkeeper so desperately wants to finish on the winning side against Real Madrid next week.

Reina has never been on the winning side against Madrid at the Bernabeu.

He gets another chance on Wednesday when Liverpool face Madrid in the last-16 of this season's Champions League.

It will be Liverpool's first-ever visit to the Bernabeu for a competitive European match, but fans will be quick to point out that in the only previous meeting between the clubs, they ran out winners.

Alan Kennedy's goal in Paris won the European Cup Final for Liverpool on May 27th, 1981. What Liverpool would give for a repeat result on Wednesday to set them up nicely for the second-leg at Anfield on March 10.

But Liverpool could hardly have a tougher task next week. Madrid have not lost this year and caretaker boss Juande Ramos has made a genuine impact on a club who have been all-but blown away by Barcelona this season in La Liga.

Madrid are not going to retain their title this season, barring a miracle, but they will surely qualify for the Champions League next season.

That means the pressure is off them domestically, so a serious tilt at the Champions League is on the cards.

For Liverpool, the pressures are all home-grown. It will be interesting to see how boss Rafael Benitez's pitches this first leg with the Premier League crown still very much on their radar.

Reina, with 16 clean sheets already this season, desperately wants another as he seeks a first win at the famous stadium after five previous visits with Barcelona and Villarreal.

'I have yet to win in the Bernabeu,' he said. 'Two draws is the best I have managed.

'In many ways it is similar to Anfield, as a real tough place to get a result. That has always been the case.'

Reina grew up a Barcelona fan because his father Miguel was a goalkeeper at the Nou Camp before joining Atletico Madrid.

Reina said: "When my dad played against (Madrid) in the 60s and 70s it was the same story. So our job won't be easy, but we still know we can do it.'

Liverpool were very much written off when they went to Barcelona in 2006-07 on the way to the Athens final defeat by AC Milan.

But that day they won 2-1, with goals from Craig Bellamy and John Arne Riise, with an unexpected attacking display.

So Liverpool know they can produce the unexpected in Spain.

'I was a Barcelona fan because it was my dad's team, so it would be really special for me to help eliminate Real from there Champions League,' Reina added.

'They are one of the world's greatest clubs, so defeat would be no shame. But we are not thinking like that, we will be doing our utmost to make sure that doesn't happen.

'And I am confident we will reach the quarter-finals. The competition has been very good for us in recent years, and we want that run to continue.

'Every player dreams about playing in the biggest games at the best grounds and this is certainly one of those.

'I have plenty of friends at Real, like Sergio Ramos and Iker Casillas. We are all close, but that does not stop me wanting to make sure Liverpool go through to the next round.'

Barry Vow To Aston Villa

Gareth Barry is ready to commit his future to Aston Villa — IF they qualify for the Champions League.

The England midfielder is yet to sign a new deal at Villa amid fresh rumours of a summer move to Liverpool. But Barry, who wanted to make an £18million switch to Anfield at the start of the season, is prepared to snub the Reds’ renewed advances if Villa secure a top-four finish.

Barry, who turns 28 tomorrow, said: “There’s nowhere else I would want to be playing at the highest level. It’s easy for me to want Aston Villa to play Champions League football. It is also easy for me to give 100 per cent when I am playing for Villa — and to want them to finish as high as possible

“It has been great to be loyal to one club for all these years and have that good rapport with the fans. To play at the very top level is even better. The games are coming thick and fast now but I am looking forward to each one of them.

“I feel fresh because the manager has rotated the squad well.”

Lassana Diarra Sends Warning To Javier Mascherano Ahead Of Real Madrid vs. Liverpool

Real Madrid midfielder Lassana Diarra has sent Liverpool's Javier Mascherano a note of caution ahead of the upcoming Champions League tie between the two clubs.

Both players are well-known for their battling qualities in the middle of the park, but the 23-year-old French international is confident he can come out on top.

The former Portsmouth midfielder, who completed his €22.3 million move to the Bernabeu in the January transfer window, has suggested he is ready to show the Spanish public a side to his game they are yet to experience.

"We have the same thing in our head, we don’t like losing," Diarra is quoted as saying in British tabloid The Sun.

"When two players like that face each other, sparks fly.

"I am new in Spain so I try to stay short of kicking someone. But against Liverpool, if I have the chance, maybe."

Benitez Wary Of City Threat

Rafael Benitez has refused to condemn Manchester City for their lavish spending.

The Spaniard also considers the Eastlands side as genuine threat to their Premier League aspirations, when the teams meet at Anfield.

It is the start of a ten-day spell that sees Liverpool play four matches which the Reds manager believes will make or break their campaign.

Steven Gerrard will miss the City game with his hamstring injury, and a judgement will be made on Monday as to whether he can travel to Spain for next week's Champions League tie with Real Madrid.

First up are an erratic City, who have spent over £100 million since the beginning of the season.

Benitez said: "I do not believe their money is changing the face of football, there are other teams who have spent big, big money this season too. There is not a massive difference."

He added: "They will be dangerous opponents. It is not just the money, it is the fact that they have high-quality players.

"This is a crucial time for us with games in quick succession that can make a massive difference to whether we will be fighting for trophies at the end of the season.

"At this stage, you can only think of taking three points and then seeing how your rivals do. We cannot influence what happens to other teams so we must concentrate on our own job and see whether someone else loses a match or two."

Liverpool Boss Rafa Benitez Stalls Signing A New Contract

Rafa Benitez has raised doubts about his long-term future at Liverpool by delaying signing a third contract offer.

Benitez stunned American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett by stalling on a new four-year deal which had been specially reworded to ensure he had full control over transfers and the youth academy.

Negotiations will not restart until after Wednesday's Champions League clash against Benitez's former club Real Madrid at the earliest.

The manager's stance will cast a new question mark over whether he will be at the club next season as he is clearly reluctant to commit his future while chief executive Rick Parry and Gillett remain in power.

The owners believe they have given enough concessions to accommodate Benitez's wishes and had wanted the deal signed by today's Premier League game against Manchester City.

But for the first time he is contemplating what alternatives are out there.

A source said: 'Rafa cannot carry on working unless the way the club is run changes.

'It has been extremely difficult for the past two years, he does not want four more years of the same. He feels he gets the blame for everything that goes wrong at Liverpool. It is him in the window while everyone else can hide.'

With Hicks and Benitez on one side and Gillett and Parry on the other, the impasse is likely to continue until someone resigns or is sacked.

Benitez hoped the fall-guy would be Parry, but it may be him, with Real Madrid, Manchester City and AC Milan keeping a close eye on developments.

John Aldridge: Liverpool Must Put Man Utd Run Out Of Their Minds

The best thing that everyone at Liverpool could do over the next few weeks is to forget all about Manchester United.

It might be easier said than done given the rivalry between the two clubs and the fact that they are fighting it out at the top of the Premier League, but that is the message Rafa Benitez should be giving his players.

All Liverpool can do is worry about their own results. They won't have any say in how United get on until the two teams meet at Old Trafford on March 14, so there is no point in getting distracted by what they are doing.

In recent weeks United have built up a real head of steam and although it hurts us to say it they are top of the table on merit.

Liverpool's job now is to concentrate on their own form and nothing else and if they do that they will give themselves a chance of still being in with a shout towards the end of the season.

They have three games coming up against Manchester City, Middlesbrough and Sunderland and, make no mistake about it, each one of them is a must win.

It is absolutely imperative that Liverpool go into that clash at Old Trafford having picked up a maximum nine points from these fixtures, because if they fail to do so it will become increasingly difficult to see how they can overtake United.

At the moment it is hard to see United faltering, but the history of football is littered with examples of favourites coming unstuck when absolutely no-one expected them to.

In my own playing career it happened when I was part of the Liverpool team that lost to Wimbledon in the FA Cup final.

Anything can and often does happen in sport. That's why Liverpool must look to keep putting pressure on United. If they do that then they might just set a few nerves jangling at the other end of the East Lancs.

All you can ever do is win your own games and if your rivals slip up that's even better. You just have to do your own job and forget about everything else.

Will City play as Dr Jekyll or Mr. Hyde? Manchester City are Liverpool’s opponents at Anfield tonight but heaven knows which City team will actually turn up.

Will it be the one which demolished Portsmouth 6-0 at home in a wonderful displays of attacking football earlier this season?

Or will it be the one which was comfortably beaten by Portsmouth at Fratton Park last weekend?

City are so inconsistent at the moment it is untrue so all Liverpool followers will be hoping they don’t turn it on because if you look at their side they have clearly got quite a few players who can cause problems to any team.

Craig Bellamy is one obvious danger and seeing as he was let go by Liverpool after just a short spell at Anfield I’m sure he will feel he has something to prove to Rafa Benitez.

Robinho is a class act and can wreak havoc against any team in the world if he is in the mood but the problem for City has been that he doesn’t seem to have been in the mood often enough since he joined them.

But being a player who is used to operating on the big stage from his time with Real Madrid and his international experience with Brazil it could be that Anfield will bring out the best in him.

I’m not expecting it to be easy for Liverpool but the fact is they simply must find a way to win because it is vital that they take all three points.

Steven Gerrard Unfit For Liverpool's Manchester City Clash

Steven Gerrard will not be ready to play for Liverpool against Manchester City on Sunday, as he continues his recovery from the hamstring strain he suffered whilst on duty for the Reds in their Mersey derby FA Cup defeat to city rivals Everton.

Manager Rafael Benitez had indicated that the injury was caused by Gerrard being tired due to the unreasonable demands placed upon him, and many observers expressed concern about what might happen to Liverpool in his absence.

With the Reds' Champions League knock-out tie against Real Madrid taking place next week, the Spaniard will not risk Gerrard for the Lancashire derby with Manchester City. He is looking to the clash with the Spanish giants for his skipper's possible return.

"Steven will not be ready for this game," Benitez told the club's official website regarding the City match.

"We don't know if he'll be back for the game in midweek but clearly he will not be involved against City.

"He is improving but we cannot take any risks so he won't be in the squad."

Keirrison's Reds Link Played Down

Palmeiras have played down reports which have suggested striker Keirrison could be on his way to Liverpool.

The 20-year-old Brazilian has been the subject of speculation which has intimated a summer switch to Anfield could be on the cards.

Keirrison is regarded as one of the brightest emerging talents in South American football having finished top scorer in the Campeonato Brasileiro last season when he was with Coritiba.

Palmeiras' director of football, Toninho Cecilio, insists the striker - who has scored eight goals in only six appearances for his new team - will stay with the Verdao for the foreseeable future.

"I don't want to spend a lot of time talking about this Liverpool issue as it is not true," Cecilio said.

"There is nothing official and we were not consulted about this.

"We have an excellent relationship with Liverpool, who signed goalkeeper Diego Cavalieri, and, if there was something, we will be the first to know about that.

"Instead, the intention of the Palmeiras board is to keep him here as long as possible here, before he continues his career in Europe."

Liverpool FC Boss Rafa Benitez: Man United Are Not 'Untouchables'

Rafael Benitez has emphasized Liverpool’s appetite for a title fight by declaring Manchester United are not “untouchables”.

But the Anfield manager accepts the next fortnight will determine whether his team can challenge the champions during the Premier League run-in.

Arsene Wenger caused a minor stir earlier this week when he declared United as “untouchables” shortly before they moved 15 points clear of his Arsenal side with their ninth successive Premier League victory on Wednesday when beating Fulham 3-0.

That result opened the gap between Sir Alex Ferguson’s men and second-placed Liverpool to five points, which could be stretched even further today with United hosting Blackburn Rovers before Manchester City visit Anfield tomorrow.

Benitez, though, believes United can still be overturned, especially as Liverpool have already beaten the Old Trafford outfit earlier this season.

And asked if United have an aura of ‘untouchables’, the Spaniard said: “I don’t think so. I can only talk about my team. We know they are a good team and we will have to play really well if we want to beat them, but we have won against them once this season already.

“In football now every game is so difficult that anything can happen. They will win more games than the other teams because clearly they are a good side. But to say you cannot beat them, I don’t think so.

“I don’t think there’s a danger teams will be intimidated by United. Everybody knows they are a good team, but it’s the same if a team plays Chelsea, Arsenal or Liverpool.

“When I was talking about facts, one fact is United are good team. I knew they could be winning games and they have very good players. Everybody knows that. When you go to Old Trafford, you know it’s going to be difficult and other teams could be worried about that.”

Liverpool Seeking To Improve Out Of The Blocks

One of the quirks of football’s rich past meant it was commonplace for the more resourceful supporter to sneak into game after half-time to catch a glimpse of their heroes without paying.

Fast forward to the present day, and there are many Anfield regulars who would probably be happy doing the same thing.

After all, the opening 45 minutes have not exactly proved a fertile period for Liverpool at home this season.

In 18 games at Anfield this season in all competitions, Rafael Benitez’s have led only four times at the interval, with only two of those occasions coming in the Premier League.

Indeed, Liverpool have netted only seven goals in the first half of their 12 home league games this season, a contributory factor in drawing five of those encounters.

Benitez’s side can begin altering that statistic when they entertain Manchester City tomorrow.

And the Spaniard admits: “Clearly, we need to improve. Look at the game against Portsmouth. I was watching the replay of the game and the commentators were talking too much about team changes and us being defensive, but we scored three goals.

“It’s better to score early on when we have plenty of possession. Against Portsmouth, we had control of the ball and were controlling the game in the first half.

“We’ve done that a lot this season, and it shows how important it is to score an early goal. It will make the game less stressful for the team and it will give the fans more confidence and be better for my heart.

“When you have quality players and are playing at home, then it’s much better to score first as it brings the other team out and their defence will play higher and you have more space to attack.”

Benitez adds: “A couple of years ago we were scoring the first goal and winning majority of these games. It’s difficult to explain why we aren’t doing that now.

“In football there are too many things that can change games. Maybe the other team is strong, or we can’t take out chances.

“Maybe it’s easier in the second half to score because the other team gets more tired, but we I can guarantee we try to score from the very first minute.”

By contrast to their first-half woes, Liverpool have developed a habit of snatching victories with late goals.

Both Chelsea and Portsmouth were beaten in recent weeks with last-minute strikes, and, earlier in the campaign, an injury-time Dirk Kuyt strike earned a 3-2 win at City from a game in which they were 2-0 down.

And Benitez accepts that ability to transform potential draws into wins must be retained for Liverpool to continue a realistic championship challenge.

“At the end of the season every game is very important,” he says. “You don’t want to lose points, but the other team could lose even more. You never know.

“But it’s clear the top sides don’t drop that many points. Every single game will be important. But the nearer you get to the end of the season, you cannot allow the gap to get too big.

“It’s better to be five points ahead than behind, but if you win games in a row then you can close that gap.

“Each week will be different. Games that are supposed to be easy might end up being difficult. I think every game will be difficult between now and the end of the season.

“But it doesn’t matter what people say, the most important thing is what you can do on the pitch.

Tomorrow’s visit of City would appear the ideal fixture for Liverpool top begin rectifying their home woes, with Mark Hughes having steered his side to just a single victory on the road this term, with four draws and seven defeats.

However, Benitez warns opposition players are always more motivated when visiting world famous stadiums like Anfield.

“You can analyse how teams perform away all season but it's different at Anfield,” he says. “Clearly Anfield is a window, especially for players with quality.

“They could show this more than in other stadiums. They have good players, players who can change games so it will be tough. The only thing will be whether we can score one or two goals in the first half.”

Meanwhile, Benitez has warned Hertha Berlin their efforts to sign Andriy Voronin on loan for another year are doomed for failure.

The Ukrainian, on a season-long loan at Hertha, shot his team to the top of the Bundesliga last week with both goals in a 2-1 win over Bayern Munich.

And Benitez says: “We are not surprised he is a very good player but always the first year in the Premier League is difficult and with the players that we have it was difficult for him to play every week.

“He is playing every game now, he is playing really well and the fans love him. He has confidence.

“He is our player and we are monitoring him. We have to decide at the end of the season. But they will not keep him on loan for another season. That cannot happen.”

Rafa - Crucial Fortnight

Rafa Benitez believes that the next two weeks could make or break Liverpool's chances of Premier League glory.

The Reds face testing games against Manchester City, Middlesbrough and Sunderland in the league, as well as a trip to the Bernabeu for the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League.

Achieving success in these four games would then set them up for the home tie against Real Madrid, shortly followed by the crunch meeting at Manchester that could well decide the destination of the league title.

For the moment though, Benitez insists that his side must gain maximum points from the upcoming games in order to make the upheaval of United's lead a real possibility.

"It now depends on one or two weeks to see what happens. Everything can change in just a few days," said Benitez.

"This is a crucial time, we have four games in a few days and that can make a massive difference to whether we will be fighting for trophies at the end of the season.

"At this stage, you can only think of taking three points and then seeing how your rivals do. We cannot influence what happens to other teams so we must concentrate on our own job and see whether someone else loses a match or two."

Few expect that Sir Alex Ferguson's experienced side will surrender their commanding lead at the top, but Benitez remains convinced that the game at Old Trafford can be the key to the title - so long as his charges are still in touch with the champions when they take to the field on 14th March.

"If we win our games before we go to Old Trafford, and then we win, the gap will be just two and then we will wait to see how that affects the situation," the Spaniard added.

"It does not matter what other teams say about us being challengers or not, we just have to do our job and win our games.

"Five points is a significant lead. But it is not impossible."