WHAT LIVERPOOL MUST DO TO GO THROUGH

BEWARE THE LONG BALL

IT WAS two such passes over the top from Toni Kroos in midfield that gave Real Madrid a cushy 2-0 lead after 36 minutes of the first leg, so always be aware of that danger. Zinedine Zidane’s plan to target the space behind Liverpool’s full backs worked a treat last week, and he knows Jurgen Klopp’s side have to go on the attack tonight. He’ll be challenging Kroos to play more of those long balls at Anfield.

START FAST

LAST week’s first half was as poor a 45 minutes as I’ve seen from Liverpool, up there with what we witnessed in the 7-2 hammering at Aston Villa. Klopp’s players couldn’t string three passes together. They were giving Real gifts. There can be none of that tonight. Liverpool scored inside the opening 10 minutes in that 2019 comeback against Barcelona. Klopp could do worse than use that as motivation in his pre-match team talk. Get the boys up for it. Go get that early goal. Make Real sweat.

PICK RED ARROWS

START Diogo Jota, Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane. Swarm on Real’s defensive pairing of Eder Militao and Nacho — and do not waste the chances that come your way. Salah will be the forward Zidane fears the most. Despite Liverpool’s largely disappointing season, he’s on 28 goals in all competitions, five more than he managed last campaign. It is not impossible for Liverpool to win 2-0 tonight. They need to clear their minds of their issues at home and remember what a fortress Anfield can be. Their supporters aren’t there, but so many are cheering them on from home.