Ancelotti breaks Sir Alex Champions League record against Liverpool

Carlo Ancelotti took charge of a record 215th Champions League match tonight, with the Real Madrid boss passing former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

Injury-hit Real will be hoping to extend their dominance over Liverpool, with goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois saying the reigning champions are aware the Reds will be desperate for revenge tonight.

Liverpool failed to beat the reigning European champions once during Jurgen Klopp's time in charge, including two finals.

But it also represents a proud moment for Ancelotti – one of the game's most successful managers, with the 65-year-old having won the league five times.

Courtois, meanwhile, has been impressed with Arne Slot's side so far – they lead the Premier League by eight points and are the only team left in the Champions League with a 100% winning record – he knows this clash will mean even more.

“Liverpool is a team with a new coach after many years with Klopp,” said the former Chelsea number 1.

“Now with Arne Slot it is a very dynamic, attacking team, with a lot of pressure, many attacks, good counter-attacks and a lot of speed up front.

“Playing for them at Anfield is a plus. They will certainly be very excited about us because they lost the final in Paris and the round of 16 in 2023. They will be looking for that little revenge and we hope to win.”

Ancelotti is without a large number of key players due to injuries. Star striker Vinicius Jr injured a hamstring last weekend and is on the sidelines alongside Aurelien Tchouameni, David Alaba and Eder Militao.

Liverpool remains without Alisson Becker, Federico Chiesa, Diogo Jota, Harvey Elliott and Trent Alexander-Arnold. But captain Virgil van Dijk has already outlined that he has an extra layer of motivation due to past shortcomings against the La Liga giants.

“To be very honest, I don't need fuel (of revenge) to be absolutely ready, but it's the Champions League, it's a huge game, a beautiful game for the neutral team and we want to be at the top and come out with a win,” Van Dijk said at his pre-match press conference.

“Listen, the fact is I've never beaten them. That record is a very disappointing statistic, so it comes down to recovery and preparing for a big one and I'm looking forward to it.”