Rafa Benitez has admitted he cannot predict the outcome of Liverpool’s upcoming UEFA Champions League clash with Real Madrid.

Both sides are set to play each other in the tournament’s round-of-16 on Tuesday, with the Reds hosting their Spanish counterparts in the first leg of the tie at Anfield.

Speaking ahead of the game, Benitez, who has previously coached both teams, has admitted it is difficult to separate them.

He told Marca: “If you ask me a favourite, I can’t give you any.

“Any quality detail from a player can make a difference. If Liverpool play at home with the same intensity as against Everton, anything can happen, they can score goals and they can win.

“But the second game would remain, where Real Madrid, with quality and experience, could come back. For me there is no favourite.”

Benitez also said, “Liverpool was less scary a few weeks ago, but now, with players coming back from injury and with the pace and intensity that they put into it the other day, anything can happen.

“Salah did not have, without Mané, that communication with the forwards but with Firmino he is already fine and with Jota, Darwin… they have all the options. The team is stronger now.

“Van Dijk’s return gives him security… Are they inferior to that of a few years ago? Maybe yes, but the team can have a complete change and within 20 days it can be even stronger.”