“A massive game, one we want to come out on top of,” Virgil van Dijk said, expressing his excitement for Liverpool’s clash with Real Madrid tonight.
After four consecutive victories in the Champions League this season, Liverpool face the holders at Anfield in matchday five of the group stage, with the 8pm GMT kick-off marking a pivotal moment in their campaign.
This is the first of two blockbuster home games this week, with Manchester City also visiting Anfield on Sunday for a Premier League showdown.
“I love every single week of playing for Liverpool, and I always will, but I’d be lying if I said that as a group we weren’t aware of the excitement building over what is to come over the next few days,” Virgil van Dijk writes in his matchday programme notes.
“To play at Anfield against first Real Madrid, and then on Sunday against Manchester City, is something we as players are really looking forward to, and I’m sure our supporters feel exactly the same.
“Huge challenges, but challenges we will face head-on, I can assure you.”
He continues: “Now, our focus [is on] Real Madrid, and what should be another fantastic Champions League night under the lights at Anfield.
“We cannot underplay or underestimate this one. I am well aware that I have never beaten Real Madrid as a player, and that as a team we have lost some big games against them. Our record against them is obviously something we would like to change, but I can assure you that that is not something that will affect our preparations for this game.
“It’s the Champions League, it’s a massive game, a beautiful fixture for the neutral, and it’s one that we want to come out on top of.
“As I say, we are looking forward to this. Our results this season have been really good, and that gives us a lot of confidence, no matter the opponent.
“Of course, we know the quality of the team we will be up against. They are the reigning European champions, and they have world-class players in every position. We cannot ignore that, and we have to make sure that we are ready to fight from the very first whistle. We know that Anfield will be loud and that the fans will be right behind us.
“Hopefully we can give you guys plenty to shout about.”
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