Liverpool face Real Madrid at Anfield tonight with memories of the famous victory in at the forefront of their minds. Alvaro Arbeloa played for Liverpool in the win but is likely to start at right-back for Los Blancos at Anfield.
Real Madrid have gone through a similar transformation — with just four players still at the club from that day — but have the changes been worth it? We look at the line-up from that game and the possible line-up tonight and see if the two clubs have improved or regressed preferred player in italics. Reina experienced a significant dip in form during his later years at Anfield but the jury is still out on his replacement. Johnson may be better at getting forward than the Spaniard but his defensive problems are well known; Arbeloa has been a hugely dependable right-back for club and country.
Skrtel Aurelio possessed great quality, especially from set-pieces, but was often injured, while Moreno has made a promising start in Red. As good as Henderson has become over the last 18 months he is at least a level below the Spanish great. Gerrard A clear victory for the team, Babel had talent but often found himself distracted — Raheem Sterling is one of the most talented teenagers in the world.
Hard to pick a winner between these two as they are so stylistically different; like comparing a shire horse to a gazelle. But Kuyt always performed in the big games. Balotelli still has plenty to prove in Red. Casillas Despite being into his 30s, Pepe remains unable to control his emotions and is a liability.
Pepe The former Manchester United man is a much better defender than Marcelo, but the Brazilian is a huge threat going forward. Kroos is worlds apart from Diarra in terms of talent, as a clear an upgrade as you could hope for. Robben struggled in Spain but his form for Bayern Munich and the Netherlands has proved that Los Blancos gave up on him too easily.
