Liverpool's reputation for turning on the style in Europe face the acid test on Wednesday when they play on-form Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium.
On a night that will notably see Liverpool's domestic rivals Chelsea host Juventus, Real are looking good to strike the first blow in a two-leg encounter that gives the winners passage to the Champions League quarter-finals.
A 6-1 hammering of Real Betis on Saturday, complete with a brace apiece from Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and Raul moved Real to within seven points of leaders Barcelona, who suffered a shock 2-1 derby defeat against Espanyol.
Despite Liverpool traditionally coming out fighting in Europe whatever their progress at home - an approach which led them to 2005 Champions League victory and a UEFA Cup title in 2001 - nine-time European champions Real are brimming with confidence.
While most Real players know the Reds are a far bigger threat than Betis, midfielder Rafael Van der Vart believes the Merseysiders will be running scared.
"We're Real Madrid, which is why I think Liverpool are frightened of us," said van der Vaart.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
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