Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric is surprised by Liverpool's problems this season.

Liverpool host Real on Tuesday in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie and Modric is still wary of the threat that they are capable of providing.

Modric said: "I am really surprised that Liverpool are so far from the first place in the Premier League, but they can also say the same about us at the moment in La Liga. So, I'm not saying anything!

"Seeing the Liverpool squad, we know that at any time they can react and start to come back in the season. I hope it won't be in these two Champions League games against us but we have to be ready.

"Despite our league seasons, a Liverpool-Real match is one of the best shows that the world of football can offer. It's a shame that the draw has led to us playing so early in the competition because it would have been a great Champions League Final."

Modric expects that both legs of the tie against Liverpool will be hard-fought encounters, but stated that he sees Real as favourites.

He said: "In terms of this first leg I think defences could be the key. I don't see a lot of goals in the match. It will probably be two very even matches, but I see Real as favourites and we'll go to Anfield looking for a victory."