Liverpool prepare for 'perfect performance' against Real Madrid - in pictures

Jurgen Klopp hoping for another famous night at Anfield

Powered by automated translation

Manager Jurgen Klopp believes Liverpool must produce a "perfect performance" to overcome a 3-1 first leg deficit against Real Madrid and reach the Champions League semi-finals on Wednesday.

A difficult season for the Premier League champions will end without a trophy should they fail to pull off a fightback against the 13-time European Cup winners.

"This Real Madrid team has some of the greatest talent playing football in the world today. This isn't a surprise - it's what Real Madrid do. So to beat a side like this you must always strive for the perfect performance," Klopp said on the Liverpool website.

After a training session featuring Mohamed Salah, Thiago Alcantara and the other Liverpool stars, Klopp added: "What we will not lose sight of is how good we are, the talent we have, the magic in our dressing room and the character required to make special moments happen.

"We have the entire package at Liverpool."

Liverpool famously overcame a 3-0 first leg deficit to beat Barcelona 4-0 in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final on route to winning the competition for a sixth time in 2019.

But, with no fans in the stands, Klopp has played down comparisons with that clash or the 2016 Europa League tie against Borussia Dortmund, when they fought back from 3-1 down on the night to win 4-3 and advance 5-4 on aggregate.

"It is an indisputable truth that a full stadium would have been significant for us," added Klopp.

"When I think back to the many special nights we have had here, I usually describe them with the word 'together'. That is because those nights were about the collective power of this club. Supporters and players coming together to produce memories that last a lifetime.

"My job - and the job of the boys - is to channel your energy despite the forced distance. We know it's still there, therefore we can still use it. It's more of a challenge, of course, but since when did we ever do anything the easy way?"