Luka Modric has made Real Madrid’s intent clear - there will be no defensive mindset, they are coming to Anfield in search of another victory.
The Spanish side hold a priceless 3-1 lead from the first leg last week, and with Liverpool ’s shot shy attack struggling to convert their chances, could be forgiven for a safety first project.
But Modric says that goes against the Real philosophy, and is simply not an option. “We are coming here to win the game, it is simple,” he explained at Anfield on Tuesday night.
“We won’t sit back and try to contain Liverpool - we are going to come out and try to win the game, that is what we always do, and what we have to do.
“We know it will be a demanding game, and we will be under pressure. But we have to do what we did in the first leg - defend well, yes, but attack well too - we can’t think that we can simply sit back.”
Liverpool have a mountain to climb, especially without their fans, who are still not allowed to attend matches in England.
But Modric insisted that he would LOVE to play at Anfield in front of the passionate supporters who make the European occasion so special.
“To be honest I would like to play at Anfield with a crowd. The atmosphere here...I have played here with Tottenham a few times, and Real Madrid when we won in 2014, and the atmosphere was amazing,” he explained.
“Everyone was excited to play in front of that crowd.
“This is the situation, everyone knows the situation we are in, so we have to do as well as we can in the circumstances we are in. It’s a shame, but that is the way it is, and it will still be an important game.
“We know in the history of Real Madrid what an important game this is, and that is our motivation.”
