Liverpool’s Salah has a debt to settle with Real Madrid

Egyptian striker Mohamed Salah has failed to beat Real Madrid in any of his eight matches.

Liverpool is booming under manager Arne Slot. The Reds are currently top of the Premier League, taking advantage of Pep Guardiola's stumble at Manchester City. But on Wednesday they face the reigning European champions – Real Madrid – a team that has repeatedly ruined Mohamed Salah's Champions League dreams.

The Egyptian striker has faced Real Madrid eight times in Europe's top competition and is yet to taste victory. His record stands at zero wins, one draw and seven losses, including the humiliating 5-2 defeat suffered by Liverpool at Anfield in their last meeting with Carlo Ancelotti's side.

Salah's battle against Real Madrid

Salah's first match against Los Blancos took place on February 17, 2016, during the Champions League Round of 16. At the time, he was in his debut season with AS Roma. Real Madrid triumphed 2–0 in both the first and second legs and advanced to the next round.

Over the years, the Spanish managed to neutralize the pharaoh. In their eight meetings, Salah has scored just two goals and provided one assist – a modest return for a player of his caliber.

A glimpse of hope in 2023 became a nightmare

In February 2023, it looked like Salah's fortunes might finally change. He scored a goal and provided an assist within 14 minutes, giving Liverpool a 2–0 lead at Anfield. The home crowd was ecstatic and sensed a rare victory over their tormentors. But the dream quickly fell apart.

Real Madrid staged a stunning comeback, eventually winning 5-2 and leaving Salah and Liverpool devastated.

The 2018 Champions League final: a painful memory

For Salah, Real Madrid is not just an opponent; it is a source of heartbreak. One of the toughest moments of his career came during the 2018 Champions League final, where he had to leave the field early due to a shoulder injury caused by a collision with Spanish defender Sergio Ramos.

“It was the worst thing that can happen to a footballer. I had never felt anything like that in football, especially because it was our first final as a team. Then we came together and the following year we took revenge by winning the final against Tottenham in 2019,” Salah reflected at the time.

Wednesday: a chance for redemption for Madrid

If there is anyone who has a burning desire to beat Real Madrid, it is Mohamed Salah. The attacker is having another fantastic season, with twelve goals and ten assists in just eighteen appearances. This form, along with positive 'nemesis' news, gives him hope as he looks to finally claim his first win over Los Blancos on Wednesday.