Real Madrid youth coach Xabi Alonso says former club Liverpool can handle Champions League semifinalists Barcelona.

Alonso won the Champions League with Liverpool in 2005 and sees no reason why the current crop can't get past Lionel Messi and Co and do the same.

He told the Daily Mail: "Yeah, why not? They have the experience after what they went through last year.

"They have the hunger, the desire even more because of the defeat in the last final.

"That can play a big role. In two legs, Liverpool can beat any team in the world.

"I think it's a great team and that's the main thing. The manager, Jurgen Klopp, is doing an unbelievable job. I really admire him and respect what he's doing so far."