How Andoni Iraola's bold tactical tweak kept Liverpool's crazy Spanish record intact
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The memories of European glory were increasingly overshadowed by repeated heartbreak, with Spanish opposition becoming a persistent thorn in the Reds’ side.Few defeats captured that frustration better than Liverpool’s 2023 round-of-16 tie against Real Madrid. What began as a night of promise ended with another painful reminder of Liverpool’s struggles against Spanish opposition.Now, however, the narrative is changing.Liverpool have won six consecutive Champions League matches against La Liga clubs following their dramatic 4-3 comeback victory over Villarreal at Anfield.
It was another reminder that the Basque manager's willingness to make bold selection decisions can pay dividends when the pressure is at its highest.More importantly, the result extended a run that now stretches well beyond one memorable night.Liverpool’s six consecutive victories against Spanish opposition comprise wins over Villarreal (4-3), Atlético Madrid (2-1), Real Madrid (1-0), Atlético Madrid (3-2), Girona (1-0) and Real Madrid (2-0). Five have come at Anfield, with the victory over Girona representing the only away success.Liverpool just can't stop beating Spanish teams in the Champions League 😤6⃣ wins in 6⃣… the Reds' longest-ever run against LaLiga opposition in the competition 🔥 pic.twitter.com/RuUeBqvfXu— LiveScore (@livescore) October 20, 2026The contrast with Liverpool’s recent European history is striking.
Atlético Madrid added to the misery by knocking Liverpool out in 2020, while Barcelona’s 3-0 semi-final first-leg victory in 2019 left Jürgen Klopp’s side facing an almost impossible task before their famous comeback.Across Liverpool’s ten Champions League matches against Spanish opposition immediately before the current streak, they won just four and lost five. Paris Saint-Germain have eliminated Liverpool in each of the past two campaigns, proving that a strong record against one group of opponents offers no guarantees against another.Nevertheless, should Liverpool draw Spanish opposition again, they will approach the tie with a very different mindset.