CRASH ’N’ BERN
Militao fears Bernabeu shock from ‘spectacular’ Liverpool after 7-0 United rout v
Liverpool (2) EDER MILITAO has warned his Real Madrid team-mates that their Champions League tie against Liverpool ain’t over till the fat lady sings.
The Spanish giants thrashed Jurgen Klopp’s men 5-2 in the first leg at Anfield – with two goals each from Vinicius Jnr and Karim Benzema, plus Militao’s own strike which first seized the lead for Real after the Reds had been 2-0 up after 14 minutes.
But despite their threegoal advantage going into the second leg, Militao insists Real will be taking nothing for granted against a side that has proved time and again domestically, and in Europe, that they can score goals for fun – and produce incredible heroic comebacks when they need to.
In 2005, Liverpool fought back from 3-0 down at halftime in the Champions League Final against AC Milan in Istanbul, before going on to win on penalties.
Perhaps more pertinently, they beat Barcelona in the 2018-19 semi-finals by winning the Anfield leg 4-0, after having lost 3-0 away.
Last weekend’s 7-0 victory over Manchester United will still be fresh in the memory for Liverpool as they walk out at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium on Wednesday.
And if they can race into a 2-0 lead, as they did in the home leg against a Real Madrid team who have been off colour since their visit to Merseyside, then suddenly the tie would have a different complexion altogether.
Militao warned: “Some people believe that this tie is already finished but I am expecting a big night between two of the clubs with the biggest histories in world football.
“It’s certain that Real Madrid have a very big advantage but there is another 90 minutes and the round is not over.
In previous editions of the Champions League we have experienced situations that have been right on the limit, and we know that they were lessons for us.
“Liverpool have improved in recent matches and we all saw the game against Manchester United – they were spectacular.
“We expect a different Liverpool in Madrid than the one we faced at Anfield because they need to take risks to score goals.
“But our challenge is to play such a match that no one even remembers our 5-2 win at Anfield.
“The second leg is in front of our supporters which is favourable for us.
“Liverpool will be feeling enormous pressure, and each minute that passes without a goal for them on Wednesday is a success for us.
“Real have had problems with winning and scoring goals since our victory in Liverpool, but I am totally convinced this will change this week at the Bernabeu.”
Militao added: “The night in Liverpool was one of the most historic in my sporting life — to win 5-2 there, and to score as well, that is a unique moment for any footballer.
“But Liverpool have a super squad, and now we do not want to be surprised by them at home.
“Mo Salah has come into a good moment in their attack.
“He is always dangerous but against us he is hyper-motivated, and also Roberto Firmino is scoring goals for them again.
“So until the end of this match, nothing has been decided.”