Robertson Downplays Revenge Talk as Liverpool Face Real Madrid | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Focus Ahead of Real Madrid Showdown

Liverpool prepare to host Real Madrid at Anfield on Sunday in a high-stakes Champions League clash. With the opportunity to secure their fifth consecutive European victory this season, Arne Slot’s side are determined to extend their perfect record in the league phase.

Photo: IMAGO

Currently sitting atop the Champions League group table, Liverpool are the only team in the competition boasting a 100% win rate this season. Victory against Real Madrid would cement their place in the next round and underline their dominance in Europe. However, the fixture also holds deeper significance for fans and players alike.

Aiming for Momentum, Not Revenge

For many Liverpool supporters, this tie represents more than just another European night. Memories of past heartbreaks against Real Madrid linger, with the Reds having lost two Champions League finals and a recent knockout tie to the Spanish giants. While the fans may view the game as an opportunity for retribution, Liverpool defender Andy Robertson emphasised the importance of focusing on the present rather than dwelling on history.

Photo: IMAGO

“I don’t really look into owing people one or revenge or anything like that,” Robertson shared during the pre-match press conference. He reflected on the 2018 final, describing it as pivotal for Liverpool’s journey to becoming European champions the following year.

“Both games [in the final] were different. I think 2018 was so important for our journey. Nobody really expected us to be in the Champions League final that year, and it gave us the belief that we could compete in the tournament again and go on and then win it the next year, which was so important.

“I think 2022 obviously hurt a lot more at the time; I thought we played well in the game. I thought we dominated the game. Their goalkeeper was Man of the Match, which probably tells you a lot. But they do what they do, there’s a reason why they’ve won the competition the most out of any team.”

Top Spot in Europe’s Elite Competition

With Real Madrid struggling this season, Liverpool are clear favourites heading into this encounter. The Spanish side have already suffered two defeats in their four Champions League games and are precariously close to the group’s drop zone. For Los Blancos, failure to secure points at Anfield could severely jeopardise their hopes of progressing to the knockout stages.

Robertson, however, remains steadfast in maintaining focus. He stressed the importance of securing Liverpool’s position at the top of the group to avoid potential play-offs. “The squad is too new, I think their squad is too new, and we’re just looking at tomorrow to try to strengthen our position at the top of that table because we know how important finishing in the top eight can be in terms of seeding for the last 16 and not having a play-off. That’s all we’re focused on.”

Robertson’s Key Role

Robertson is expected to start, especially in light of Kostas Tsimikas’s recent injury. The Scottish defender’s leadership and experience will be pivotal in navigating what is sure to be a highly charged atmosphere at Anfield. With Liverpool chasing Champions League glory once again, Robertson’s calm yet determined approach could be the difference against a vulnerable Real Madrid side.

As the Reds aim to maintain their momentum, this match represents not only a chance to reinforce their European credentials but also to turn the page on a difficult chapter of past defeats. For Robertson and his teammates, the focus is clear: keep winning and let history take care of itself.