As Liverpool prepare to lock horns with Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu, we chat to freelance sports journalist Zarif Rasul, who is based in Madrid, as he previews the Champions League Group B clash.

What was the reaction in Madrid to the team's display at Anfield two weeks ago?

The supporters and the press were purring after Real's 3-0 win at Anfield. Despite the team's imperious form prior to the match - they had travelled to Merseyside on the back of seven successive wins - there was still a small sense of trepidation as they had lost their three prior meetings with Liverpool. In addition to that, much was made of the aura of the 'mythical' Anfield. In some respects, the victory at Anfield was seen as the moment where this current Real side consolidated themselves. Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti had frequently spoken of his desire to find 'equilibrium' or balance in his team this term and that was seen by many as the night where he finally found it. 

What's the feeling about this current Madrid side and how they compare to other great Madrid teams of the past?

Like the Liverpool supporters, the Madrid fans have had the fortune to enjoy watching many great sides over the years and there is a growing feeling that they are experiencing something special with Ancelotti at the helm. The Italian enjoyed great success in the cups in his first season last year, winning the Copa del Rey and of course the club's 10th European Cup, but the side eventually disappointed in La Liga. However, despite those achievements, there is a belief that the current group could become a legendary one in the club's history and perhaps, even, in the history of Spanish football. Their remarkable recent run of form - 11 straight wins, with 46 goals scored along the way - has prompted comparisons in some quarters to Pep Guardiola's Barcelona team. Only a period of sustained success over a number of seasons would see Ancelotti's group likened to the legendary team of the 1950s but in terms of modern history, they could very well end up eclipsing the much-heralded Galacticos of the early 2000s.

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How will Ancelotti approach this game, given that Madrid are six points clear at the top of the group?

With qualification to the knockout stage not yet secured, there is no doubt that Ancelotti and his players will approach the fixture with the utmost seriousness. He is expected to name his strongest possible starting XI - first-choice defenders Dani Carvajal and Pepe are likely to miss out through injury - and he has been boosted by the return to fitness of Gareth Bale, who did not feature at Anfield. It will be interesting, however, to see if he calls upon the former Tottenham forward. Many feel Madrid are a more balanced side without the Wales international, especially as playmaker Isco has dazzled in his absence. Ancelotti has always indicated that Bale is worthy of a first-team place when fit though, so it will be interesting to see who might make way for the £86m man.

What's the feeling around Madrid ahead of the Reds' visit? Does the prospect of hosting Liverpool instil an element of excitement?

Despite Real's dominance of Group B and Liverpool's recent form, there is still excitement at the prospect of the Merseysiders' visit to the Spanish capital. Like Anfield, the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu revels on Champions League nights and the atmosphere will be special. Real Madrid and Liverpool both enjoy a special relationship with 'Old Big Ears' and Los Blancos fans are well aware of the fact that their side will be locking horns with another historical European giant.

Can we still expect a special atmosphere, given that Madrid have a comfortable lead in the group?

The Bernabeu comes alive on European nights and Tuesday night's fixture will be no different, especially as the supporters have been entranced by Real Madrid's swashbuckling performances in recent weeks. The press and the fans were really impressed by the Anfield support two weeks ago, especially with the way the home crowd applauded the visiting players, and there will be huge respect for Brendan Rodgers' men.

What's the one piece of advice you would give the players if you were Rodgers, sending the team out to face the holders at the Bernabeu?

Real Madrid are arguably the strongest team in Europe at this moment in time and Rodgers and his players are undoubtedly fully aware of the mammoth task that awaits them in Madrid. The Reds boss has been effusive in his praise of the European champions, especially with regards to Cristiano Ronaldo. Madrid seemed to be a bit vulnerable at set-pieces earlier this season so Liverpool should try to make the most of any free-kicks or corner-kicks, but they have tightened up of late.

From a tactical perspective, is there a way around this Madrid team? Are there any weak links?

Eleven wins on the bounce suggests there are no ways around this Madrid team, with Ancelotti's men assured in defence, dominant in midfield and deadly up front. The sale of former Liverpool favourite Xabi Alonso to Bayern Munich seemed to have shorn Madrid of their defensive organiser in midfield, but Luka Modric and Toni Kroos have adapted their games really well to ensure defensive stability in the middle of the park. If there is one potential area of vulnerability it could be down the right-hand side, as left-back Marcelo likes to get forward and often leaves space in behind. Having said that, the wide players James Rodríguez and Isco help the team defensively and often cover when the rampaging Brazilian enters the final third. 

Plenty of Kopites will be heading over to Madrid for the game - what's the best way to spend a day in the city?

Madrid is a superb city for eating and drinking - it is awash with bars, restaurants and taverns, with many located near the centre of the city. The squares Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol are situated right in the heart of the bustling centre and supporters will have no trouble finding delicious eats and refreshing beverages around there, with a number of options to suit all tastes and budgets. The culture of eating tapas, which refers to small plates of food, is varied, often cheap and a fantastic way to spend a day before a game. The price of a tapas plate varies but can start from as low as €1. Spain is famed for a number of dishes while Madrid is home to a number of local delicacies, including cocido madrileño (a chickpea, meat and vegetable stew), bocadillo de calamares (sandwich with fried squid rings) and patatas bravas (fried potatoes smothered in spicy tomato sauce). Beer is also cheap in Madrid, with some places selling glasses for less than €1, although it tends to be served in a small glass size known as a caña. Many restaurants, bars and taverns will also provide you with something to nibble on, such as a small plate of paella, with each drink ordered.