Trending topics:
AFP

Klopp drops Thiago again for Real Madrid rescue act

by Afp

Liverpool (AFP) – Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp once again left Thiago Alcantara on the bench as the English champions aim to turn around a 3-1 first leg deficit against Real Madrid to reach the Champions League semi-finals on Wednesday.

Thiago was introduced after just 42 minutes in the Spanish capital last week as Klopp’s bold decision to start Naby Keita in the first leg backfired.

But the Spanish international, who won the Champions League with Bayern Munich last season, was again surprisingly overlooked in favour of James Milner.

Klopp also showed faith once more in his established front three of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane with Diogo Jota relegated to the bench.

Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane made just one enforced change from the first leg as midfielder Fede Valverde looks set to deputise at right-back for the injured Lucas Vazquez.

Starting line-ups for the Champions League quarter-final, second leg between Liverpool and Real Madrid at Anfield on Wednesday (kick-off 1900 GMT, 1-3 agg):

Liverpool (4-3-3)

Alisson Becker; Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ozan Kabak, Nat Phillips, Andy Robertson; Fabinho, James Milner (capt), Georginio Wijnaldum; Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane

Coach: Jurgen Klopp (GER)

Real Madrid (4-3-3)

Thibaut Courtois; Fede Valverde, Eder Militao, Nacho, Ferland Mendy; Toni Kroos, Casemiro, Luka Modric; Marco Asensio, Karim Benzema (capt), Vinicius Junior

Coach: Zinedine Zidane (FRA)

Referee: Bjorn Kuipers (NED)

200+ Channels With Sports & News
  • Starting price: $33/mo. for fubo Latino Package
  • Watch Premier League, Women’s World Cup, Euro 2024 & Gold Cup
Try It Free
The New Home of MLS
  • Price: $14.99/mo. for MLS Season Pass
  • Watch every MLS game including playoffs & Leagues Cup
Browse Offers
Many Sports & ESPN Originals
  • Price: $10.99/mo. (or get ESPN+, Hulu & Disney+ for $14.99/mo.)
  • Features Bundesliga, LaLiga, Championship, & FA Cup
Browse Offers
2,000+ soccer games per year
  • Price: $5.99/mo
  • Features Champions League, Serie A, Europa League & Brasileirāo
Try It Free
175 Premier League Games & PL TV
  • Starting price: $5.99/mo. for Peacock Premium
  • Watch 175 exclusive EPL games per season
Browse Offers
  • Related Topics

EDITORS’ PICKS

Bundesliga could have six clubs in next season's Champions League

The extra Champions League spot for the 2024/25 season has officially been awarded to Germany's Bundesliga. Due to upcoming changes in the competition, two additional teams will take part in the tournament. Italy's Serie A previously locked up one of these spots due to various European successes inside the country. However, the final place was […]

Messi's young teammate eyes Europe move after Miami stardom

One of Inter Miami’s rising star players, Benjamin Cremaschi, has dropped hints that he may go to Europe for a more established team. Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, and Sergio Busquets have been the club's most talked-about stars this season. However, the Herons’ younger players have been quietly making waves alongside the veterans. Among Tata Martino’s […]

Milan: 4 high-profile recruits to join Pulisic and Musah in 2024

After winning Serie A in 2022, Milan will fire Stefano Pioli this summer, failing to deliver any trophies since. Although the Italian is still in charge, the club will unlikely retain him for his last year on the contract. This summer, he looks to depart San Siro after a disappointing season. Milan finished outside of […]

Eintracht Frankfurt to tour North America this summer

Bundesliga outfit Eintracht Frankfurt is making a trip to North America this summer to play several friendlies. Frankfurt announced a pair of friendlies in preparation for the 2024/25 season. This is the first time Eintracht Frankfurt is hosting a training camp in the United States since January 2020. However, this time, Frankfurt is setting up […]