Famous Liverpool wins against Spanish sides

Gerrard scores Liverpool's second goal of the night against Real Madrid in 2009 Credit: PA

Liverpool, five-time champions of Europe, face Real Madrid, who won their 10th title last season, for only the fourth time in their history. The Reds have won all three previous meetings but here is a look at some of their best matches against Spanish opposition.

LIVERPOOL 4 REAL MADRID 0, CHAMPIONS LEAGUE LAST-16, 2009

The visiting Galacticos were thrillingly swept aside as the pace of striker Fernando Torres and the driving force of captain Steven Gerrard inflicted Real's heaviest away defeat in Europe. Torres gave the hosts an early lead and Gerrard scored a penalty and then added a second just after the break. Andrea Dossena added the fourth as only the display of goalkeeper Iker Casillas prevented further carnage

Liverpool's Xabi Alonso in action during the UEFA Champions League first knockout round of 2007 Credit: PA

BARCELONA 1 LIVERPOOL 2, CHAMPIONS LEAGUE LAST-16 2007

Defender John Arne Riise was Liverpool's hero as he scored the winner from a cross by Craig Bellamy, whose first-half header had cancelled out Deco's early opener. The build-up to the match had been dominated by reports of a bust-up involving an attack with a golf club between the two Liverpool goalscorers but the on-field performance was a tactical master-stroke.

Liverpool's Robbie Fowler and Sammy Hyypia holding the UEFA cup after beating Alaves of Spain 5-4 Credit: PA

LIVERPOOL 5 ALAVES 4, UEFA CUP FINAL, 2001

A bizarre UEFA Cup final came to a thrilling conclusion with Delfi Geli's own goal golden goal giving Liverpool victory. Markus Babbel and Steven Gerrard put the Reds 2-0 up and after Ivan Alonso pulled one back Gary McAllister's penalty restored the two-goal cushion just before half-time. Javi Moreno's two goals within five minutes of the second half start brought the scores level before Robbie Fowler and Jordi Cruyff traded goals to take the match into extra time, where Alaves had two men sent off.

Liverpool won their third european cup in 1981 by beating Real Madrid 1-0. Credit: PA

LIVERPOOL 1 REAL MADRID 0, EUROPEAN CUP FINAL 1981A tense match played out on a difficult pitch at the Parc de Princes was settled by the most unlikely goalscorer with left-back Alan Kennedy getting forward in the 81st minute to fire home an angled shot as Liverpool won their third European Cup.