Real Madrid recently disposed of Real Betis by an overwhelming and thrilling six goals to one. Xabi Alonso believes this is down to the new coaching methods instilled by former Tottenham Hotspur and Sevilla boss Juande Ramos.

Los Merengues have won nine games on the spin, and conceded just twice since December, which is in stark contrast to the form displayed by Liverpool, who struggled for three points throughout January.

Alonso believes Madrid are now playing as a compact unit and have an array of attacking outlets to choose from. Alonso sees things differently from Sir Alex Ferguson, who recently opined that Real lack the pace required to kill a game.

Alonso told Liverpool's official website, "They [Real Madrid] are currently playing as a very compact unit. They have very good strikers like Raul, Robben, and Higuain, but they have also found a team that is very consistent with four defenders and two midfielders who are all very strong, and that is something that we will have to be aware of.

"I expect them to try and win the game and not concede, but we will
have a game-plan and will try to play intelligently. It's always key
to try and score in the away leg of a European tie, so that will be our idea."

Juande Ramos will be familiar with the players available at Liverpool, from his time managing affairs at north London club Tottenham, but Alonso dismisses the theory that this will give the Madrid side the edge.

"I think these days everyone knows a lot of things about all leagues," Alonso claimed. "They will know us well in Spain because our matches are often broadcast live, but Rafa and the players know Real well too so there are no secrets."

Despite being two of the most prominent sides in Europe, having amassed a grand total of 14 European Cups between them, this will be the first time Real Madrid have faced each other since the 1981 final, where an Alan Kennedy strike separated the two sides. Alonso went on to add that the longer you play for Liverpool, the more you come to learn of the club's history, and its pedigree on the continent.

"I was born in '81 so obviously I don't remember much about that game. However, as you grow up, you learn more about the histories of Liverpool, Real Madrid and the European Cup.

"From what I have been told, Real had a good team and it was a huge disappointment for them to lose the final but Liverpool deserved to win.

"It's quite unique that Liverpool have never played Real Madrid at any time, apart from that game, so we are looking forward to facing them," he concluded.

Liverpool and Real Madrid contest the first leg of their round of 16 clash in the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday February 25. The game kicks off at 19:45 GMT.