Andy Robertson insists Liverpool’s priority is to remain top of the Champions League group, rather than seeking revenge over Real Madrid, writes Ryan Taylor at Anfield.
Arne Slot’s side have maintained a 100% win record at the half way point of the Champions League group stage, topping the standings coming into matchday five.
They will now face 15-time competition winner’s Real Madrid at Anfield tonight (Wednesday 27 November).
Liverpool have failed to beat their upcoming opponents in their last eight attempts, with two defeats coming in the Champions League finals in 2018 and 2022.
Robertson featured in both final losses but says payback for what happened in the past is not on the agenda as the two sides meet again tonight.
Robertson said: “I don’t really look into owing people revenge or anything like that.
“Both games (the finals) were very different. I think 2018 was so important for our journey, nobody expected us to be in the Champions League Final that year. It gave us the belief that we could compete in that tournament and go on and win it the next year.”
The second match up in the final saw Madrid narrowly edge a 1-0 win over The Reds back in 2022 courtesy of a Vinicuis Junior goal and a stellar performance from goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
Said Robertson: “2022 hurt a lot more, as I thought we played very well. I thought we dominated the game and their goalkeeper was man of the match, which tells you a lot.
“But Real Madrid do what they do and it tells you why they have won the competition the most.”
Their most recent meeting at Anfield saw the Spanish side dominate Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool. After the home side took an early 2-0 lead, it was the likes of Vinicius Junior and Karim Benzema who struck back to stun the Kop with a 5-2 defeat.
Vinicius will be absent tonight through injury and Benzema has since moved on. Robertson also points to changes in personnel at Anfield since the sides last met.
He said: “We’ve played Real Madrid like 5/6 times and obviously we have not been on the winning side yet. But I think there is only a few of us that have probably been involved in that, we have such a different squad.
“We are excited but we also know we are against one of the best in the world. But we go into the game with belief and confidence that we can get the result and come Wednesday night, we are the happier camp.”
Liverpool go into this week’s round of fixtures top of the Premier League and Champions League in Arne Slot’s debut season.
A 3-2 away win to Southampton on Sunday extended a 13-game unbeaten streak and put them eight points clear at the top of the Premier League table.
As Christmas approaches, the fixture list gets heavier, with Premier League champions Manchester City arriving at Anfield on Sunday.
Robertson said: “We are sitting nicely in both competitions but we are allowing other people to look at it more than us. We are just focused on Real Madrid but of course winning games will give us confidence.
“We cannot get carried away and look too far ahead. I think we have enough in the team that won’t allow that to happen and that’s where we will rely on me, Virgil, Mo, Trent, Allison and Gomez, people like that to help put a calm on everything.
“We know there is a long way to go in both competitions and it’s not time to get carried away.”
There has been lots of speculation about teammates Trent-Alexander Arnold, Mo Salah and Virgil Van Dijk and whether they will get offered new contracts before the season ends.
Robertson ensured all players committed to achieving success this season. He said: “For us as players, it’s nothing we can really get involved in. All I can say is that when you look at Mo today and look at Mo yesterday he is the ultimate professional and, in fairness, that goes to all three of them, Mo, Virgil and Trent.
“Everyone of them is always so focused on the next game and they have been constant leaders this year and for us in the changing room. When they do that, we can also do that.”
