Rafa Benitez can't split Champions League round 16 opponents Liverpool and Real Madrid.

Liverpool host the first-leg on Tuesday night a Anfield.

Benitez 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."

He 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."