20 February 2023 , 05:00
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The games are coming thick and fast for Liverpool as they return to European action this week.
The Reds made it back-to-back Premier League victories with Saturday evening's 2-0 win at Newcastle, following up their Merseyside derby triumph with aplomb. A trickier test lies in wait in the form of Real Madrid, whom Liverpool face on Tuesday in the first of two Champions League last-16 legs.
Jurgen Klopp and Co. are out for revenge after suffering a painful defeat by Los Blancos in last season's final, and goalkeeper Alisson is relishing the challenge. Start your week with the latest Liverpool headlines right here.
Alisson talks up "confidence"
Alisson has declared that Liverpool will carry an abundance of "confidence" into their Champions League clash with Real Madrid on Tuesday.
The Reds host the defending European champions - who defeated them in last season's final - in the first leg of the last-16 tie on Tuesday night. Los Blancos have slipped behind Barcelona in the La Liga title race but remain a force to be reckoned with when it comes to continental competition.
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Liverpool come into the match after successive 2-0 victories in the Premier League and Alisson is pleased that spirits are high after what has been a challenging season. Reflecting on Saturday's win at Newcastle and looking ahead to the challenge of Real Madrid, the goalkeeper told Liverpoolfc.com: "It was a tough match, a really good performance from our side and we're going to keep this confidence, keep the good things with us and bring it to the next game."
What is your scoreline prediction for Liverpool versus Real Madrid? Have your say in the comments!
Nunez likened to Torres
Darwin Nunez lashed Liverpool into the lead against Newcastle (Liverpool FC via Getty Images)Darwin Nunez received lavish praise from former Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez after his starring role in the 2-0 victory over Newcastle.
The Uruguayan striker has been guilty of missing numerous chances this season but took just 10 minutes before lashing beyond Nick Pope at the weekend. Benitez sees similarities between Nunez's raw talent and that possessed by Fernando Torres, who was a fan favourite on Merseyside for his prolific displays before his controversial transfer to Chelsea in January 2011.
Benitez worked alongside his fellow Spaniard during his time in charge at Anfield and likened him to Nunez while serving on punditry for Sky Sports.
Read the full story here.
Emotional Atsu tribute paid
There were emotional scenes at St James' Park on Saturday as Newcastle and Liverpool marked the tragic death of Christian Atsu with a minute's applause.
Atsu, 31, died in the catastrophic earthquake which hit Turkey and Syria earlier in February, with his body recovered 12 days after the natural disaster struck. The winger spent many seasons on the books at the Magpies and his wife and three children were invited to St James' Park to attend the tribute paid towards their loved one.
Read the full story here.