Anfield expects... but it's Mbappe who needs to deliver this time

HERE were arguably two abiding memories from the last time Liverpool and Real Madrid crossed swords 12 months ago. And Kylian Mbappe found himself on the receiving end of both.

- By IAN DOYLE

The first saw him wiped out by a strong sliding challenge from Conor Bradley that prompted raucous cheers from the Anfield crowd and a subsequent raft of memes and T-shirts celebrating the tackle.

Then in the second half, after Andy Robertson had conceded a soft penalty, Mbappe saw his spot kick saved by stand-in Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher as the Reds strolled to an impressive 2-0 triumph - their first victory over the European Super League advocates in more than 15 years.

Having previously been on the losing side on Merseyside despite scoring in Paris Saint-Germain's 3-2 Champions League defeat in 2018, Mbappe would be forgiven for approaching his latest visit with trepidation.

Liverpool, though, will be aware they will be facing a very different forward to the one that floundered in the heat of the Anfield atmosphere last November.

A blank that evening left Mbappe having scored nine goals in his first 18 appearances for Real Madrid.