Liverpool face Atletico Madrid on Tuesday night in one of the most mouthwatering Champions League ties of the last 16 matches.
Jurgen Klopp’s side are arguably the best side on the planet right now, having remained unbeaten in the Premier League so far and winning last season’s Champions League.
But if there is any team that will know how to produce a defensive masterclass, it’s Atletico.
Manager Diego Simeone is known for setting up teams in a way that they are impossible to break down and, who knows, maybe the lethal trio of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane will be stopped in their tracks when the two sides face off at the Wanda Metropolitano – the scene of their most recent Champions League triumph.
However, one stat which has emerged that does not make for great reading if you are a fan of the LaLiga side.
Liverpool have NEVER lost a knockout tie against a Spanish side in the Champions League.
In their only three encounters against Spanish opposition, the Reds overcame Barcelona in 2006/07, Real Madrid in 08/09 and Barcelona again last season.
Last season, Klopp’s side clawed back a 3-0 deficit in one of the most remarkable comebacks in the competition’s history to win 4-0.
Lionel Messi and co. tore the Premier League side to shreds in the first leg, but at Anfield, Divock Origi and Georginio Wijnaldum scored two goals each to send Reds fans into the abyss.
Afterwards, Lionel Messi is said to have broken down in tears in the dressing room at the manner of his club’s defeat given that the previous season Roma had done something similar.
However, Atletico supporters will take comfort in the fact that recent history is also on their side as they have never lost a home knockout tie under the stewardship of Simeone.
And the Argentine was full of praise for his opposite number ahead of the match, which is live on talkSPORT.
Jurgen Klopp, however, said playing Atletico is one of the most difficult things to do in football.
“If there’s one team where you have to be at your absolute best, it’s Atletico,” he said.
“They give you absolutely no presents. If you work as hard as possible, you have a chance. If you don’t do that, you have no chance.
“The moment you are not 100 per cent concentrated, they close you down with two or three players and then counter-attack. If you are not focused and concentrated in your own offensive play, you will not even have a shot on target because they close the centre so good.”
