Champions League
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 games.
Liverpool is soaring high under manager Arne Slot. The Reds currently sit atop the Premier League table, taking advantage of Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City stumbling. But on Wednesday, they face the reigning European champions—Real Madrid—a team that has repeatedly dashed Mohamed Salah’s Champions League dreams.
The Egyptian forward has faced Real Madrid eight times in Europe’s top competition and has yet to taste victory. His record stands at zero wins, one draw, and seven losses, including the humiliating 5-2 defeat Liverpool suffered at Anfield in their last encounter with Carlo Ancelotti’s side.
Salah’s struggles against Real Madrid
Salah’s first clash with Los Blancos came on February 17, 2016, during the Champions League Round of 16. Back then, he was in his debut season with AS Roma. Real Madrid triumphed 2-0 in both the first leg and the return match, cruising into the next round.
Over the years, the Spaniards have managed to neutralize the Pharaoh. In their eight encounters, Salah has only scored two goals and provided one assist—a modest return for a player of his caliber.
A glimpse of hope in 2023, turned nightmare
In February 2023, it seemed like Salah’s fortunes might finally change. He scored a goal and delivered an assist within 14 minutes to give Liverpool a 2-0 lead at Anfield. The home crowd was ecstatic, sensing a rare triumph over their tormentors. But the dream quickly unraveled.
Real Madrid staged a stunning comeback, ultimately winning 5-2 and leaving Salah and Liverpool devastated.
The 2018 Champions League final: a painful memory
For Salah, Real Madrid isn’t just another opponent—it’s a source of heartbreak. One of the toughest moments of his career came during the 2018 Champions League Final, where he was forced to leave the pitch 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 it in football, especially because it was our first final as a team. After that, we came together, and the following year we got our revenge by winning the final against Tottenham in 2019,” Salah reflected at the time.
Wednesday: a chance for Madrid redemption
If there’s anyone who carries a burning desire to beat Real Madrid, it’s Mohamed Salah. The forward is enjoying another stellar season, with 12 goals and 10 assists in just 18 appearances. This form, along with positive ‘nemesis’ news gives him hope as he aims to finally claim his first win over Los Blancos on Wednesday.