Steven Gerrard: 'Liverpool players can rise to occasion of facing Real Madrid'

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard is confident that he and his teammates can pull off a "surprise" when they face Real Madrid in the Champions League this evening.

The Reds will take on the reigning champions in Group B at Anfield as they aim to boost their chances of reaching the knockout rounds.

Liverpool have a 100% record over the Spanish giants in European competition, but the Merseyside outfit have had a five-year absence from the elite tournament and will have to face Carlo Ancelotti's side with Cristiano Ronaldo in impressive form.

"I have more confidence in my teammates the bigger the game," Gerrard told the club's official website. "We know how difficult the game is going to be but I'm really confident we can surprise a few people because we are a good team.

"We've had a stuttering season so far, but I just have confidence that the players are going to be up for this one. Every time there has been a big question asked of this squad we have always risen to the occasion and done really well.

"We always seem to play better the better the opposition are. You don't need much motivation when big hitters like Real Madrid come into town. We have got huge respect for them, they have got some of the best players in the world and it's going to be a very tough evening."

Real Madrid lead the way in Group B with six points after two games, while Liverpool sit third with three.