Real Madrid continues to be seen as the favorite against Liverpool. Troubled matches are played for Liverpool in the league. They get the results they don't want. Real Madrid, on the other hand, are better overall in the league and are under the impression of the team closer to qualifying in the UCL. In my opinion, the Real Madrid option seems wiser as a bet.
I am sure that Liverpool players have more pressure and psychological barriers when they have to play with Real Madrid again. After many bad results when played with Real Madrid in the last five seasons, it is not easy for Liverpool players to start matches with empty mind. They likely are obsessed with past defeats which can impact their performance in upcoming two matches.
In addition, Liverpool have worse form in this season compares to Real Madrid and it will make them a weaker team in their matches. Anyway, they can fight and decide their destiny and if Villareal can beat Real Madrid, Liverpool can do it as well.
Even in Liverpool's better conditions than now, like last season for example, Real Madrid can still beat Liverpool. Moreover, if Liverpool were in a situation like this there would be a lot of doubts directed at them. In the domestic league they played in, in their last match they had to lose 3-0 to Brighton and even their game didn't show anything better. I keep trying to stay optimistic amidst the reality that exists with this team, I really hope that there are many miracles that will change the morality of this team that I like in a very short time.
Very disappointed of course, but hopefully there will always be hope.
I'm also disappointed with Liverpool's performances this season, but they still have enough time until the match with Real to prepare well and raise the level of their game.
The Champions League is a special competition, in which players always give their best and often play beyond their capabilities, so there are always a lot of unexpected results.
In the national championship, even if you play a weak game and lose, you have enough time during the long season to correct it and keep winning.
In the Champions League, there is no opportunity to fight back, one slightly weaker game and you are out of the competition. A very ruthless competition in which only the most mentally prepared teams can go all the way and become champions of Europe.
The Liverpool players are aware that they can't do anything in the English championship anymore and the match with Real is now the highlight of the season for them and that's why I'm sure they will play their best match of the season and then anything is possible.