LIVERPOOL: Jurgen Klopp hopes Liverpool have turned the corner just in time for Real Madrid’s visit to Anfield to play the first leg of their Champions League last-16 clash — a repeat of last season’s final.
Madrid were crowned European champions for the 14th time in Paris after a 1-0 win in a match overshadowed by organizational failings on the part of UEFA and the French authorities that put fans’ safety at risk.
Liverpool, who narrowly missed out on an unprecedented quadruple last season, have suffered a hangover during the current campaign, out of both domestic cups and 19 points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal.
But back-to-back wins over Everton and Newcastle have lifted the mood around Anfield and given Klopp’s men a shot at qualifying for the Champions League next season via a top-four finish in the English top flight. “It’s the Champions League, it’s one of the biggest games in the world.