Carra: How Reds can get Bernabeu result

Despite the 3-0 loss to the reigning Champions League holders at Anfield, the Kop legend claims there were some positives to take from the outing - most notably the good start Liverpool made when they could easily have scored in the opening stages.

"There will be some trepidation because of what happened in the first game but the players need to try to relax and enjoy it," said Carragher.

"It's a fantastic arena - one of the most iconic stadiums in European football - and it will be a fantastic experience for this side to play in the Bernabeu.

"People don't expect Liverpool to get anything so the pressure is off a bit but you don't want to go there and get embarrassed.

"You don't want to be 3-0 down at half-time in the Bernabeu because they won't be holding back in front of their own fans.

"Of course Real Madrid are big favourites but it's not impossible for Liverpool to get something out of the game.

"The big thing is defending better than they did at Anfield.

"They will be under pressure for long periods of the game and they have to stay neat and compact. They have to keep it tight and then try to hit them on the counter-attack."

The former vice-captain insists Liverpool will have to hit the ground running quickly as a good start is vital against Carlo Ancelotti's charges.

He added: "The first goal will be so important. Real got it in the game at Anfield and that changed the game. Up until that point Liverpool had played very well.

"Real Madrid are a great name in European football and you want to go there and put in a performance. It's an opportunity for this team to prove that Liverpool are better than they showed at Anfield."

Carragher knows what it's like to win at the Bernabeu in a red shirt having played a key role in the 1-0 triumph over Real under Rafael Benitez in February 2009.

Looking back at the victory, Carragher claims it wasn't a result that surprised him or his teammates.

He said: "We were an excellent team in Europe at the time so we certainly didn't fear going there.

"We had a way of playing away from home in Europe which was very effective.

"It started under Gerard Houllier when we showed we were capable of going to a lot of places and stifling the opposition. Benitez then came in and put his own stamp on it with his system.

"We had a lot of European experience in the side. Some of us had won the UEFA Cup under Gerard in 2001 and then we had some great runs in the Champions League under Rafa.

"As well as winning it in 2005, we got to the final in 2007 and the semi-finals the year after. We knew what was needed.

"It worked out perfectly that night as we defended well and nicked a goal late on."

Forward on to 2014 and the current crop at Real are one of the most feared sides in Europe, and Carragher points to the influence of Cristiano Ronaldo as a major factor behind that.

"The current side is better," he added. "We played against Robben, Higuain, Raul. A few faces are still the same with Casillas, Ramos, Pepe and Marcelo.

"But the big difference now is Ronaldo. He's the best in the world and he's in the form of his life.

"It's not easy to stop him but you have to try to deny him the kind of space he revels in with his pace and power on the counter-attack.

"He was very quiet for the opening 20 minutes at Anfield but then came to life and transformed the game with a stunning finish. No-one else in the world would have scored that goal.

"It's going to be tough over there as Real are a top team. They proved that at Anfield.

"Liverpool haven't started the season well but they're still not away from the top four and they're still right in contention to get out of their group in the Champions League.

"Whatever happens at the Bernabeu, Liverpool can still qualify. They'll probably have to win their last two games against Ludogorets and Basel but they're more than capable of doing that."