Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has called on his teammates and supporters to rise to the occasion ahead of their Champions League clash with Real Madrid at Anfield tonight. Speaking to the club’s official website, the Dutch defender emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum and feeding off the famous Anfield atmosphere on a massive European night.
“On Saturday we took a step in the right direction, without a doubt, but now we have to build on that with another great performance in a big
game. There aren’t many matches bigger than a Real Madrid game at Anfield in the Champions League. These are the nights you live for as a footballer,” said Van Dijk.
Liverpool enter the match on the back of a confidence-boosting domestic win, and Van Dijk believes the team can replicate the energy and unity that defined their best performances last season — including a memorable victory over Madrid.
“We know what to expect, of course, and so do they. Around this time last year, we put in one of our best performances of the entire season to beat them 2–0. We were excellent that night, delivering a truly outstanding collective display.
“I remember it was also one of the best atmospheres of the entire season, and tonight we’ll need more of the same. We need noise, we need passion, and we need your support from the first whistle to the last.”
With Real Madrid arriving as in form and contenders, Van Dijk acknowledged the magnitude of the challenge but said Liverpool are ready to meet it head-on.
“We need everyone to be at their best again tonight. Real Madrid is a top team, full of fantastic players, experienced players too. They’ll be ready for a tough night, no doubt, and we have to make sure that’s the case.”
