"Something special" - Jurgen Klopp on Liverpool drawing Real Madrid in the UCL

Jurgen Klopp has given his thoughts on Liverpool's Champions League Round of 16 tie against Real Madrid.

After finishing runners-up in their Champions League group, Liverpool were set to face a difficult Round of 16 tie regardless of who was pulled out but when Real Madrid was drawn it was probably the worst-case scenario.

Now, speaking to the Irish Times, as cited by Anfield Watch's Twitter account, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has talked about how difficult it is going to be, especially considering the Reds' recent record against the Spanish giants.

“I know we have played Real Madrid in a couple of recent finals but it is not so often that our two clubs have met in a two-legged tie so now we can look forward to this happening," Klopp said.

"Real’s European record is the best around. We know this. But we also know that ours is not too bad. On top of this, we know that we have Anfield and everyone knows what this means.

"The games themselves are still a few months away but it does not take a great deal of imagination to think what the atmosphere will be like at both games. There is a lot of football to be played before this.

"Of course, so we will focus on each game as it comes but yes, this draw has given us something special to look forward to.”

Anfield Watch Verdict

Out of all the teams we could've faced, which included Real Madrid, Benfica, Bayern Munich and Porto, Real was probably the team every Liverpool fan wanted to avoid.

Even though it is the most difficult draw, if Liverpool play at their best then it will be a very competitive game and as Klopp said, they have to come to Anfield, a place they haven't visited for nearly a decade.

The games will also be after the World Cup, something that should benefit Liverpool due to not many first-team players going to Qatar. Also, Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota, who are currently out injured, should be back to full fitness by then too.