Real Madrid were on top form again to keep their La Liga title hopes alive on Saturday with a convincing El Clasico win over Barcelona and Liverpool will have a few concerns heading into their crunch Champions League tie on Wednesday. Jurgen Klopp's side face a mountain to climb after losing 3-1 to Real in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final.
They responded in fine fashion on Saturday though, coming back from a goal down to beat Aston Villa 2-1 courtesy of a spectacular goal from Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Attention would have then swiftly turned to the El Clasico to see Real in action against Barcelona.
Zinedine Zidane made just one change from the side which beat Liverpool earlier in the week, with Federico Valverde coming in for Marco Asensio.
The prize on offer for both sides was to take top spot in the table with Atletico Madrid not playing until Sunday.
For Klopp, Real's win over Barcelona highlighted a few issues the Liverpool boss must be wary of on Wednesday.
Facing a 3-1 deficit, Liverpool will need to go into the match at Anfield with the bit between their teeth.
It's certainly not out of the realm of possibility for Liverpool to score enough goals to get back in the tie.
Over the past few years, Liverpool have thrown caution to the wind in playing attacking football to break down their opponents.
Invalid email
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Vinicius Junior was at his best against Barcelona (Image: GETTY)
Real's win over Barcelona though may well have to act as a cautious warning to Liverpool in how they approach the tie.
Lucas Vazquez has been utilised at right-back this season and his attacking prowess caught out Jordi Alba on Saturday with the Real star setting up Benzema's opener.
Andy Robertson will have to be wary of pushing too far forward with Vazquez always looking to get forward.
Liverpool also found out the hard way what kind of threat Vinicius Junior is earlier this week.
And the Brazilian was at his silky best against Barcelona as well as his tricky footwork fooled Barcelona defenders before winning the free-kick which resulted in Kroo's free-kick effort.
Liverpool will know that they can't afford to offer Real too many goalscoring opportunities from in and around the box, and keeping Vinicius at bay will be crucial.