Virgil van Dijk dismisses Real Madrid theory ahead of Liverpool clash
Liverpool will face Real Madrid in a blockbuster Champions League clash this week but Virgil van Dijk insists revenge is not driving them despite their poor record against the Spaniards
Virgil van Dijk insists he "doesn't need fuel of revenge" to rev him up when Liverpool take on Real Madrid.
The Spaniards have continued to thwart the Merseysiders in recent years and the two teams will meet once again in what will be a repeat of the Champions League finals from 2018 and 2022.
Liverpool were beaten on both occasions whilst Los Blancos have also ousted them in the knockouts stages in 2021 and 2023. Since their final meeting in Kyiv back in 2018 Real have won five of the six meetings between the two teams.
Van Dijk has never been able to get the better of Real despite all his success at Anfield and is determined to right that wrong, but insists the team are motivated enough by the thought of three Champions League points, not just beating the Madrid outfit.
The Dutchman said: "To be absolutely honest with you, I don't need fuel [of revenge] to be absolutely ready, but it's the Champions League, it's a massive game, a beautiful fixture for the neutral and we want to be on top and come out of it with a win.
"Listen, the fact is that I have never beaten them. That record (no wins in eight) is a very disappointing stat so it's down to recovery and getting ready for a big one and I am looking forward to it."
Liverpool are the only team with a perfect record after four games in this season's Champions League. Real meanwhile are in a far more precarious predicament and, in the new 32 team league format, sit in 18th having won two and lose two of their four games.
Lille and AC Milan have both secured wins over the Spanish outfit, who are this season's defending champions following their Wembley success earlier this year. Liverpool though are now among the favourites to win the competition after their stellar start to the season.
The Reds further extended their lead at the top of the Premier League on Sunday and they now boast an eight point gap over Manchester City in second. Arne Slot said: "It’s nice to have this position, but we are definitely not getting carried away."
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