Spearing: Liverpool vs Real Madrid will decide the outcome in one game. 1v1, tactics and set pieces are the key

Liverpool will face off against Real Madrid again in the Champions League. Former Reds player Jay Spearing recalled the dream moment in 2009.

On Tuesday night, Liverpool will face Real Madrid in the fourth round of the Champions League group stage at Anfield. The two teams have played against each other frequently in recent years, but in fact they had almost no historical records before the knockout stage in 2009. At that time, Liverpool led by Benitez had already defeated Real Madrid 1-0 in the first round away game. Back at home, goals from Torres, Gerrard and Dossena helped the team beat their opponents 4-0 and advance with a total score of 5-0.

In this game, Jay Spearing, who came on as a substitute, realized his dream. He said: "This is my first official game at Anfield, and it is against a giant like Real Madrid. This is simply a dream moment."

"I joined the club when I was seven years old and to be able to play in games like this when I was 18 or 19 years old was already a huge reward. Even just being in the squad was very satisfying. But to be able to play for 25 minutes, play in front of the Kop and hear the fans singing for me, that night was huge for me. It's like a fairy tale."

Tuesday's game will be the 13th meeting between the two teams. Spearing: "For me, this game is a decisive battle. The atmosphere of the Champions League night, Liverpool versus Real Madrid, both sides have world-class players. The key to the game is the performance that night, who can have the advantage in one-on-one confrontations and who can do better in tactics and set pieces. "

Spearing is now a coach in the Liverpool youth academy. He has made a total of 55 appearances for the Red Army, 24 of which were at Anfield. He emphasized the impact of home fans on the game.

"Of course it has an impact. When I made my debut in 2009, the main stand was not what it is now and Anfield Road had not been expanded. It was a great feeling to face 44,000 people that night. The Real Madrid fans will bring the atmosphere, but the Liverpool fans will make the stadium boil and the players will be inspired by it."