Liverpool have a one percent chance of beating Madrid

Jurgen Klopp said Liverpool have a “one per cent chance” of overcoming a 5-2 first-leg deficit and eliminating Real Madrid from the Champions League at the Santiago Bernabeu but still believes his side can achieve the unlikely.

Reigning European champions Madrid bounced back from falling 2-0 in their first game at Anfield to secure a three-goal lead going into Wednesday’s round of 16 second leg.

– Champions League knockout round draw: full details

But after Liverpool famously beat Barcelona 4-0 in the 2019 semi-final second leg after losing 3-0 in the first game at the Camp Nou, Klopp said he still had hope his players could pull off another notable win could.

“What I said after the game three weeks ago was that Madrid went through to the next round,” said Klopp. “But three weeks later we know there’s a game to play and if it’s just a one per cent chance I’d like to try.

“In this room, 100 percent of the people think we don’t stand a chance. If I’m the only one who thinks we have a little bit, that’s fine.

“It’s Real Madrid, they’re three goals ahead. It’s not something you want for Christmas, but we have nothing to lose. We’re alone with a little faith and a chance to make it happen.”

Liverpool has endured a season of extreme ups and downs, including a record 7-0 win over Manchester United in the Premier League, which came after losing 5-2 to Real. They have become an unpredictable side, capable of beating the strongest opposition but also losing to the weakest, having lost twice to bottom of the Premier League this season.

And Klopp admits he doesn’t know which Liverpool will come out of the tunnel to take on Real on Wednesday after losing 1-0 to Bournemouth on Saturday.

“If we can surprise ourselves negatively, we should also be able to surprise ourselves positively,” said Klopp. “If we’re up and down, tomorrow should be up again. We’re here to win the game, but to win we have to play extremely well and be really up to speed.

“We have nothing to lose and it’s a better situation than losing everything. But we can lose a football game, we’ve done that a couple of times this season and we don’t like that.”

“We’re here to play against an extremely strong opponent and try to win the game. As difficult as it is, it’s possible, not likely. But we’ll see where it takes us.”

“It was a draw three weeks ago. But we still have to play the game and we’re very happy about it. I’m sure Madrid would be happy if it were canceled and they went through to the next round.”

“We’re here to win a football match. Nothing much happens here at the Bernabeu. We’re here to try really hard. But it’s not to say that three goals isn’t a problem – of course it is a problem.” “

Liverpool midfielder Fabinho, a member of the team that won the Champions League in 2019, says his team-mates can conjure up the spirit of Barcelona’s semi-final victory to make it through to the next round.

“In general, everyone expects Real to win and go to the next phase, but this group of players had a really nice experience – the game against Barcelona, ​​we were 0-3 behind and changed it in the second game.

“It’s a bit different because this game isn’t at Anfield, but we know it’s possible and we think it’s important to have the attitude we have. Nothing to lose. Everyone expects that Real win and reach the quarter-finals and that can be good.” for us. But if Madrid smells blood, they can kill you.”