Virgil van Dijk has called on Liverpool to deliver another statement performance as they host Real Madrid at Anfield. The Reds return to Champions League action looking to build on their strong 2-0 victory over Aston Villa in the Premier League, and the captain wants the squad and supporters fully locked in.
Liverpool welcome Los Blancos for a second straight season at Anfield, and Van Dijk insists the atmosphere must match the magnitude of the occasion. He believes nights like this define players and expects the fans to fuel the team once more.
“Saturday was a step in the right direction, for sure, but now we need to follow that up with another big performance in a big game,” Van Dijk wrote in his matchday programme notes.
“And games don’t come much bigger than Real Madrid at Anfield in the Champions League. It goes without saying that we are all really looking forward to the challenge, and I am sure you guys are as well. These are the nights you live for as a player.”
He highlighted last season’s 2-0 home win against Real Madrid as a benchmark and praised the electric Anfield support that night. He stressed that Liverpool will need the same intensity again, both on and off the pitch.
He added: “We need noise, we need passion and we need your support from the first whistle to the last. I thought the support against Aston Villa was outstanding, and it was really appreciated… We need everyone at their absolute best again tonight.”
The defender also celebrated Mohamed Salah’s milestone after the Egyptian scored his 250th goal for the club against Villa. Van Dijk hailed Salah’s professionalism and hunger, calling him “an example to everyone.”
The skipper closed with a clear message of focus and determination as Liverpool chase another famous European night on Merseyside. He believes consistency and collective effort will be the keys to victory and urged the team to keep pushing forward.
With Real Madrid arriving stacked with experience and quality, Van Dijk wants Liverpool ready for a battle under the lights. The mood is set, the challenge is huge, and the captain is calling on every Red on the pitch and in the stands to rise to the moment.
“Let’s go to work.”
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