Liverpool's Xabi Alonso and Pepe Reina both think that the Merseyside outfit can beat Real Madrid, but while one hopes for an away goal, the other thinks that Steven Gerrard's return is vital.

Feb 19, 2009 4:01:41 AM

Xabi Alonso believes that Liverpool have to score at Real Madrid to give themselves a good chance of winning the Champions League tie, although he thinks though the Spanish outfit are better at the back under Juande Ramos.

The Reds' playmaker knows exactly what los Merengues have to offer and recognised that an away goal in the Bernabeu could be crucial to the English team's chances of triumphing.

Liverpool travel to Madrid for the first leg next week and already the two sides are beginning to look ahead to the fixture. Alonso seems confident.

"For us it is important that we score in the Bernabeu because it would give us something [to defend] in the second game. It gives us a greater chance to go through," he told Radio Marca.

"If we do not score then it could limit us for the return leg because, if we then concede at home, it will make things very difficult.

"I think it will be a very even tie and a great one to watch for the fans.

"Madrid have improved a lot defensively under Juande. They now concede fewer goals and that has certainly given us something to think about.

"But we have good players and we expect to score and go through."

Pepe Reina was also present with Alonso and he feels that things could be cagey as both sides know how to defend very well.

"I do not think that there will be many goals in the tie," he explained. "I am sure that they [los Blancos] are in great form and it will be difficult to score against them.

"It will be very tight with few chances and the games will be decided by [small] details. Both teams are better at defending than attacking."

Steven Gerrard is facing a race to be fit for the first game and Reina hopes that the Liverpool captain makes it back in time to play.

"He will be doubtful until close to the game, the goalkeeper added. We hope that he recovers in time because he is a player that can win games.

"I believe that he is not only one of the best players at Liverpool but also in world football."