3 reasons why Liverpool's defense will not stop Real Madrid

Liverpool are a good team. Brendan Rodgers is a brilliant coach and they probably deserved to win last year's Premier League title. Still, losing Luis Suárez was a big blow for their title ambitions, and it seems that Daniel Sturridge can't get healthy. Other than that, they spent good money this summer to improve their defensive line -- €18 million on former Sevilla left back Alberto Moreno and €25 million on Croatian center back Dejan Lovren -- but they cannot stop conceding goals because of individual mistakes  and poor execution of some defensive basics.  And that's why Real Madrid should not be afraid of Wednesday's match at Anfield Road.

3 Reasons

1. There might be a defensive system able to stop Real Madrid, but that's not Liverpool's - Real Madrid have struggled against Atlético de Madrid's tight defensive coverage. Simeone's squad often refuse to attack, so they sit back, they protect themselves from Real's efforts and wait for the counter. Liverpool are a good counterattacking side, but they simply don't have Atlético's defensive mindset. They cannot replicate that kind of playing style.
2. Liverpool don't have world-class defenders - That might be a strong statement, but it's true. Glenn Johnson is not that kind of player anymore -- Cristiano Ronaldo should have fun Wednesday night -- and Manquillo, Skrtel, Lovren and Moreno are not elite defenders, simply put. When it comes to individual match ups, Real Madrid's Ronaldo, Benzema, James and Isco should be capable of dominating Liverpool's defense.
3. Numbers. They've conceded 16 goals over 11 matches played this season - And guess what? Real Madrid have scored 38 goals over 12 games. Ancelotti's men have hit their stride when it comes to notching up goals, while Liverpool's defense can't get it done. Teams like QPR, Basel and Ludogorets have managed to score against them in close games.
4. BONUS TRACK: Cristiano Ronaldo - 17 goals over the last 9 games for Real Madrid. Enough said.