3 KEY CLASHES

RAPHAEL VARANE v SADIO MANE

MANE has not hit the heights of the last two seasons but will need to be at his best to get the better of the lightning-quick Varane. The Liverpool forward has found the net just three times in his last 14 games, although he did score the last time these sides met — in the 2018 Champions League final. Varane, 27, has won the competition four times and if Liverpool are to get something in Madrid they’ll need to outwit the France centre back. The question is, how will Varane cope without his usual partner in crime at the back Sergio Ramos?

KARIM BENZEMA v NATHANIEL PHILLIPS

CENTRE BACK Phillips has really impressed after being thrust into Jurgen Klopp’s team in recent weeks. However, he has still only played 13 times for Liverpool and will be up against Benzema — scorer of an astonishing 273 goals for Real Madrid. Benzema knows what it takes to win in Europe, having triumphed in the competition four times. He scored in the semi-finals and final (against Liverpool) when Madrid last won the Champions League in 2018. This is the biggest game of Phillips’ career and if the 24-year-old can keep Real’s main goal-threat quiet, then Klopp’s side have an excellent chance of taking a result back to Anfield.

LUKA MODRIC v FABINHO

FABINHO must suppress the threat of Madrid’s midfield wizard Modric if Liverpool are to progress. The Croat can create chances out of thin air and Fabinho’s reading and understanding of the game are the key to stopping him. On the attacking front, the Brazilian’s impressive range of passing could cause Madrid problems — especially in the absence of key defender Ramos.