There's nothing quite like a Liverpool European away trip, even if you're 5-2 down from the first leg.
Jurgen Klopp's side must complete mission impossible by scoring at least three times in 90 minutes at the Santiago Bernabau on Wednesday - and that's just to force extra-time. The odds are stacked against the Reds, as their Champions League adventure for this season looks to be coming to a close in the round of 16.
But regardless of the eventual outcome, Liverpool will be backed, as ever, by thousands of dedicated supporters, who have given up their time and money to follow the Reds to the Spanish capital. If you're one of those fans who is setting off on a European adventure or has already arrived in the heart of Madrid, it might be handy to learn where the best watering holes can be found, both before and after the big match.
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Dermot Corrigan, Spanish football expert and author of The Football Fan’s Guide to Madrid ebook, gives Liverpool supporters the lowdown on where to toast victory or drown their sorrows...
Triskel Tavern - Calle San Vicente Ferrer 3
Within the narrow streets of the trendy Malasana neighbourhood is the Triskel – an Irish pub without any shillelaghs or Corrs. Usually full for Champions League / Premier League games on the TV, and always packed with ‘Madrid Reds’ for Liverpool matches. Thursday’s late night open-mic music session is well worth attending.
LaLiga 29s Madrid - Gran Via 53
Definitely dedicated to Spanish football is LaLiga 29s, a big new shiny bar / restaurant opened by LaLiga itself on Madrid’s Gotham-style Gran Via in May 2022. The big open space has dozens of TV screens which show LaLiga and Champions League games live, and classic matches and trivia questions at other times. The decoration includes Antoine Griezmann’s boots and a Clasico match ball signed by Raphael Varane. The menu is international with burgers, pizzas and salads.
Pre and post-match bars close to the Bernabeu
The Irish Rover - Avenida de Brasil, 7
The Irish Rover, a Thibaut Courtois goal-kick from the Bernabeu, is a well-established spot with lots of screens and TVs over two floors. It’s an ideal spot if you want to watch a Premier League game or big rugby or GAA match either before or after your live game.
Bar Orsay - Calle del Dr. Fleming, 4
It’s definitely standing room only at Bar Orsay, which is so close to the stadium’s north-west corner that rumour has it Sergio Ramos’ missed penalty against Bayern Munich in 2013 landed right outside. ‘Orsay’ is slang for offside in Spanish, and the steel bar, tiled floor, and framed 2015-2016 jersey on the wall signed by the squad are 100% authentic futbolero.
Cerveceria Jose Luis - Paseo de la Habana, 4
The Paseo de la Habana, which brings you from the Nuevos Ministerios train station to the Bernabeu’s south-east corner, is lined with bars and restaurants which always fill up pre-game. The Cerveceria Jose Luis at No.4 is a very traditional spot, with tiled walls, marble tables and waistcoated waiting staff. The bar near the door has wooden bench seats and is ideal for a beer and slice of tortilla before the game. The restaurant further back has big plates of Spanish staples like fried eggs with jamon, garlic prawns or steak and chips for a feed afterwards.
NH Eurobuilding hotel bar - Calle de Padre Damian, 23
For a more refined pre-game drink, the various bars on the ground floor of the NH Eurobuilding hotel have very comfy armchairs, and there’s a wide selection of beers, wines, spirits and cocktails. It’s also a good place to spot former players, coaches or agents among the well-dressed other patrons.
To get the most from your trip – restaurants, bars, football-themed walking tour, five-a-side with locals, Simeone’s favourite steakhouse, Courtois’ favourite nightclub – download The Football Fan’s Guide to Madrid.
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