Javier Mascherano believes Liverpool can save their season from ending in disappointment with three good results. On Tuesday they can reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League if they see off Real Madrid at Anfield.

Then the following Saturday they have a crucial Premier League game with Manchester United at Old Trafford, followed by a home game with fourth-placed Aston Villa on March 22.

"It is important that we do not slip away in the table," he said. "We must keep concentrating and see if we can get closer.

"We must keep fighting. We are in a competition with Chelsea for second, but we still must not give up on the chase to catch Manchester United.

"We won't give up. Let's not talk about the title, let's make sure we win our matches.

"We have a very important Champions League game with Real Madrid next week and then we go to Manchester United before Aston Villa are at Anfield next.

"We must take it step by step, try to get to the Champions League quarter-finals and then turn our attention to the next two league games. The next three matches are very, very important for us."