Liverpool must play “two super games” to oust Real Madrid from the Champions League, says manager Jurgen Klopp.
Liverpool go into the game after back-to-back wins following a dismal January in which they secured just one point.
“I am really happy we play it now. Four weeks ago it would have been different,” said Klopp.
“Life is all about timing. Maybe we found our feet in time. Hopefully we can build on that, but now we need to play two super games.”
Real’s victory in Paris in May meant they were crowned European champions for the 14th time and denied Liverpool a seventh title.
“I watched it back this weekend,” said Klopp. “I realised why I hadn’t before that.
“It was torture; we played a good game, we could have won it but they scored the decisive goal. You could see their experience, how little they lose confidence, they are there for their chance. That is what you can learn from them.
“We are different teams in different times. Let’s see who goes through.”
The Reds go into Tuesday’s match after back-to-back wins over Everton and Newcastle.
Klopp has taken confidence from his side’s recent performances, but knows they face a huge test against the European champions.
“It is one of the biggest games in the world… and it will be a top game,” he said.
“If we don’t play our best we don’t have a chance. Real Madrid doesn’t have to play their best to still have a chance.”
Klopp hopes he will be able to call on forward Darwin Nunez, who injured his shoulder in Saturday’s 2-0 win at Newcastle.
The 23-year-old was substituted during the second half after an earlier clash with Magpies defender Kieran Trippier.
“There’s a chance. We have to see how he’ll cope with the pain,” said Klopp.
Uruguay international Nunez has scored 11 goals in all competitions since joining from Benfica in the summer.
Real, meanwhile, will be missing midfielders Aurelien Tchouameni and Toni Kroos because of illness but manager Carlo Ancelotti is confident his side can cope.
“Without Kroos and Tchouameni we are forced to make changes we wouldn’t want,” said Ancelotti, who won at Anfield as Everton manager in January 2021.
“But it doesn’t bother me because there is a good feeling in the team and we have played well without them in the past.
“Those that have come in have done well and we have confidence in them.”
‘I think they will do well’ – Benitez
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, former Liverpool and Real manager Rafael Benitez said the Reds have what it takes to match the Spanish side.
Benitez, who led Liverpool to Champions League success in 2005, said: “The difference in the past was Real Madrid used to play finals a lot of times. Now Liverpool also has this experience so they will be there.
“The only problem for me is that they will have too many important games coming and now you are under pressure. You play against Newcastle and after you have to play against Real Madrid, so massive games, very important, very intensive games. Can they cope with all these things?
“I think so, with the players coming back. That is a risk. If almost everybody is fit, I think they will do well.”
