UEFA Champions League 2022/23: Key tactical battles to watch out for as Liverpool seek revenge against Real Madrid – tactical preview

Last season’s UEFA Champions League finalists will meet again this season but now in the Round of 16 and in considerably different form and circumstances than the previous campaign.

The first match will be at Anfield. Klopps Liverpool qualified in second place in Group A while Napoli advanced in first place. Meanwhile, Real Madrid topped Group F with 13 points. 

However, at present, with parity in the level of many of Europes top teams, qualifying in the first place does not ensure an accessible opponent in the Round of 16, and this is one such the case.

It is no secret that Real Madrid have been Liverpools tormentors in recent years. The Spanish club won the final of the 17/18 season against the Reds and then eliminated Klopps side in the quarter-finals of the 21/22 edition and even sent the 2020 Premier League champions packing a year before that.

So, its a rivalry-heavy match-up that offers plenty of tactical content to consider ahead of next Tuesdays game.

This tactical analysis preview will be an analysis of the tactics that can be expected from both sides, homing in on four key tactical areas that could make a difference at Anfield.

Vinicius Junior vs Trent Alexander-Arnold

One of the most interesting duels of this match, as it was in the last Champions League final, will be Vinicius Junior vs Trent Alexander-Arnold. 

It is no secret that the English fullback is not strong enough defensively to stop a player like the Brazilian. Although Real Madrid often look to connect with their left-winger, on this occasion they could look to him a little more as he may be a great option to progress and dynamise possessions in the opposition’s half.

1v1 duels will not be the only situation in which Real Madrid can take advantage of Vinicius Jrs connections, but also through crosses or passes into the box. The goal that won Los Blancos the title in the last Champions League came with the Brazilian attacking the back of Trent Alexander-Arnold to finish.

Vinicius Jr in width is always a threat to be reckoned with. In addition, Madrid could use various mechanisms to isolate him in order to give him more time and space.