Real Madrid vs Liverpool - CL 1st Leg - Match-thread

Steven Gerrard has been named on the Liverpool bench for tonight's Champions League second round clash with Real Madrid. You can listen to the game live online from 7.30pm GMT.
Xabi Alonso returns to the Reds XI after suspension, while Dirk Kuyt partners Fernando Torres up front.
 
Rafa Benitez's team in full is: Reina, Aurelio, Arbeloa, Carragher, Skrtel, Riera, Benayoun, Alonso, Mascherano, Torres, Kuyt. Subs: Cavalieri, Dossena, Hyypia, Gerrard, Lucas, Babel, Ngog.

Well, it's not so bad - I didn't really expect Gerrard to start.

Bring it, Madrid!

Really excellent side, the best available IMO.

We can do this!

YNWA

Good side that!

You're right ayrton, we can do this!

Madrid team?

Come, the F**k, on!

Definitely a 4-2-3-1. Yossi is going to have to have a big game but he so usually delivers on European nights, Fernando will by totally up for it and Alonso back in the side will provide us with guidance and class.

BRING IT ON!

Good choice Rafa. I think I'll make a prediction

2-1 us

Madrid strike first with a Higuain goal on the stroke of half time
Good old Dirk equalizes for us around 62mins
Gerrard comes off the bench. And either scores or sets up Nando on about 85 mins

It will happen

Real Madrid:

Casillas   
Sergio Ramos   
Pepe   
Cannavaro   
Heinze   
Marcelo   
Lass   
Gago   
Robben   
Raúl   
Higuaín

Gonna be a tough match with Gerrard on the bench.

Interesting, they've put a left back left mid. looks like Robben is starting right mid.

Aurelio's got quite a tough test tonight, I think he's good enough to keep him quiet though.

Looking at their team I really think we can win.

Slightly off topic, but is Insua inluded in the Champions League this time round?

Marcelo is a wingback so left mid is probably better for him than left back.

Strong unit they are, going to have to pull our socks up and work hard.

 well, has anyone gone for a drubbing?

I did Res, I said 5-0 to us.

Xabi and Masch really need to win the midfield battle. Diarra will put up a fight, I don't think Gago will.

well, has anyone gone for a drubbing?

I did Res, I said 5-0 to us.

Brave prediction, if you're right, I love you.

I agree that it's a good side put out.

I'm going for a 1-0 win to us with Kuyt scoring.

Come on you Reds. Go you good things!!!

well, has anyone gone for a drubbing?

I did Res, I said 5-0 to us.

Good on you.

The team is what I expected, Stevie will be itching to get on, Rafa to bring him on in the 75th minute?

I reckon Kuyt will score for us, and Nando to make the assist. Would love it if he scored though..........maybe they both will 

Take it easy Liverpool, remember there is another leg, keep your cool, the Madrid crowd will get on their players backs if there not winning, that's when you can strike 

I'm off to my Cousin's to watch the match as I haven't got SS2 

Catch you all later to celebrate 

Enjoy the game everyone

LIVERPOOL LIVERPOOL GO GO THE MIGHTY REDS 

Yeah, we shouldn't get ahead of ourselves, of course a win would be brilliant but a draw would be a great result too. We can take them back to Anfield and kill em. .

Xabi and Masch really need to win the midfield battle. Diarra will put up a fight, I don't think Gago will.

Gago is the better player though, mind. Not as strong but boy is he a fine player.

Rafa's Men on the march.Come on you Reds.

Its gonna be 2-0 lfc.   Torres, and Benyoun.    I hope they score early and Gerrard doesn't even need to come on.       Nuetralize Robben as fast as we can and we'll have a much easier time.


Gooooooooooo Liverpool!!!