3 classic matches between Liverpool, Real Madrid
The long wait for the first match contested between Liverpool and Real Madrid could be described as comparable to the Manny Pacquiao-Floyd Mayweather fight in 2015. Except when the two European heavyweights finally squared off, it lived up to the billing.
The sporadic rivalry is comprised of just five matches in which Liverpool has the edge (3-2) heading into Saturday's match against a Real Madrid team in search of its fourth Champions League title in five years.
Although it's an encounter with a surprisingly limited history, considering the 17 titles between them over the decades, there's been no shortage of excitement.
Here are three particularly noteworthy results between the two powerhouses.
3 - Reds silence the Bernabeu (2009)
Despite the European success that both enjoyed after the inaugural meeting in the 1981 cup final, it wasn't until almost 30 years later that Liverpool and Real Madrid were pitted against each other in the first knockout stage of the 2008-09 Champions League.
The Santiago Bernabeu was the sight of a tightly contested first leg that wasn't short on scoring opportunities at both ends. It didn't take long for a determined Liverpool squad to prove its capability in limiting the threat of Real Madrid's potent attack. The Reds' fearless attack-minded approach and persistent disruptions to Real Madrid's rhythm eventually inspired hope among the travelling supporters.
After a handful of close calls at the other end, Yossi Benayoun leaped above his marker to deliver a thunderous header past Iker Casillas in the 82nd minute to make it 1-0, sparking wild celebrations among Liverpool fans that lasted well after the final whistle.
The Premier League side put in a masterful performance in the second leg, treating the Anfield faithful to a 4-0 thrashing of the Spanish giant before the heartbreak of a quarter-finals loss to Chelsea.
2 - Ronaldo leads dominant Real Madrid at Anfield (2014)
Liverpool's fall from the peak of European football was obvious when the defending Champions League winner Real Madrid produced a dominant showing.
With Cristiano Ronaldo leading the charge, Real Madrid controlled the match from start to finish with an aggressive style that overwhelmed the opposition. The Portuguese star opened the scoring with a half-volley before Karim Benzema's brace killed the game off.
Liverpool restored some pride in a 1-0 away loss, but questions over the club's offensive deficiencies lingered as its woes were attributed to the loss of Luis Suarez the summer before.
1 - An unforgettable 1st encounter (1981)
Injuries almost got the best of Alan Kennedy during the 1980-81 campaign, but the legendary Liverpool left-back returned to fitness in the nick of time and demonstrated his immense value late on the biggest of stages.
On the verge of a disappointing fifth-place finish following First Division titles in the previous two seasons, the Reds still had a chance to cap off the year on a high note with its third European title in five campaigns.
After years of somehow avoiding the tournament's most revered club, it was fitting that the European Cup final was the setting for Liverpool's first encounter with Real Madrid.
Nearing the end of regulation, Real Madrid's bid to win a seventh title was dealt a devastating blow courtesy of an unexpected threat from a Liverpool team that featured Graeme Souness and Kenny Dalglish. Kennedy stole the headlines away from the legendary Scots with a dramatic goal, bursting into the penalty area and firing the game-winner from an acute angle to win the match 1-0 and maintain Liverpool's then-perfect record in European Cup finals.
(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)