Jurgen Klopp gives verdict on Liverpool drawing against Real Madrid in Champions League last-16

Champions League last-16 round draw took place on Monday and Liverpool found their opponents as they were drawn against Real Madrid.

The last time the two sides met was back in May during the UCL 2022 final where the Reds lost with a 1-0 score as Madrid were crowned champions.

“The first thing that we can say about this draw is it is proper Champions League. This is a tie that speaks for itself and one that we should all be excited about,” Klopp said exclusively to Liverpoolfc.com.

“I know we have played Real Madrid in a couple of recent finals but it is not so often that our two clubs have met in a two-legged tie so now we can look forward to this happening.

“Real’s European record is the best around. We know this. But we also know that ours is not too bad. On top of this, we know that we have Anfield and everyone knows what this means.

“It is a really good draw. A really exciting draw. The games themselves are still a few months away but it does not take a great deal of imagination to think what the atmosphere will be like at both games.

“There is a lot of football to be played before this, of course, so we will focus on each game as it comes but yes, this draw has given us something special to look forward to.”

The Reds will host Madrid for the first leg on February 21, while Madrid will host Liverpool for the second leg on March 15 next year.