Liverpool FC News: AWFUL Real Madrid EXPOSED ahead of kickoff

Liverpool's recent record against Real Madrid is poor, to say the least.

The Reds have lost their last three games in European competitions against Madrid, and haven't beaten them since a famous 4-0 win in the Champions League Round of 16 all the way back in 2009.

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The record reads played 11, won 3, drawn 1 and lost 7. It's pretty grim and means Arne Slot's side are up against it in tonight's group stage game - or does it?

Slot's side are cruising at the moment. They are top of the Premier League and sit a massive EIGHT points ahead of second-placed Manchester City, who visit at the weekend. The Champions League has been easy-going so far as well, with a 4-0 win over Xabi Alonso's Bayer Leverkusen last time out putting the Reds top of the group before last night's fixtures.

They can go back to the top with a win over Real Madrid tonight, and despite that poor recent record, there are a couple of signs there that point towards a big Liverpool win.

Madrid off the pace

Real Madrid haven't been their usual imperious selves in the Champions League this season. They've won two and lost two, against Lille and AC Milan, and are currently just inside the qualification spots in 21st position.

Their workrate came under severe criticism after the 3-1 loss at home to AC Milan at the start of November, and the manner in which they conceded one of their goals gives Liverpool a big opportunity tonight.

Liverpool target Aurelien Tchouameni gives the ball away with a poor pass, allowing a quick counter from Milan's attackers.

It's the type of situation that suits Liverpool's side, with Mo Salah, Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez all likely to be licking their lips at the prospect of facing a team that could afford them so much space.

Madrid have been outrun by their opponents in every single game in the Champions League so far:

• 8.2km less than Stuttgart in their opening round 3-1 win

• 10.9km less than Lille in a 1-0 loss

• 5.3km less than AC Milan in a 3-1 loss

• 3.8km less than Borussia Dortmund in a 5-2 win

Of course, running isn't the only thing that wins you games, and is dependent on game-state and who has more of the ball, but they are interesting statistics to consider in relation to the poor defending against AC Milan, where players seemed either unable or unwilling to track back.

Injury issues for Real Madrid

Carlo Ancelotti's side will be without a number of key first-team players for their trip to Anfield this evening, further tipping the tie in Slot's favour.

Ballon D'Or winner nominee Vinicius Jr has not travelled after suffering a hamstring injury that means he will miss the next few weeks. Rodrygo is also out of contention after picking up a knock in a game against Osasouna earlier this month, while key central defender Eder Militao is out for the season after injuring his cruciate ligament.

It means Madrid will likely have to play 21-year-old Raúl Asencio at centre back as the usual replacement - Tchouameni - is also out injured, while right-backs Dani Carvajal and Lucas Vasquez are both out as well, with midfielder Fede Valverde likely to be used as a makeshift option.

It's a mess for Ancelotti to sort out, and should hand Liverpool a real advantage if Slot goes for a full-strength side.