Carlo Ancelotti Expects Basel to Beat Liverpool and Progress Into Next Round

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti believes that Basel are a bigger bet to reach the knockout stages of the competition than Liverpool after their 1-0 win over the Swiss club.

The Spanish giants had obliterated Liverpool in a 3-0 drubbing at Anfield before settling for a 1-0 win at the Santiago Bernabeu in the reverse fixture. Brendan Rodgers risked the ire of fans by fielding a reserve side for the game in anticipation of their match against Chelsea in the upcoming weekend.

Ancelotti, whose side have won all games in the group insists that Basel, whom they beat 5-1 at the Bernabeu are better equipped to make it into the next round than Liverpool, who are struggling for form.

"I think Basel are currently better than Liverpool. I see a small advantage for Basel for the last round," the Italian said.

"We did not play as we usually do. We defended well, we concentrated well and the most important thing was the victory.

"But Basel played with a lot of heart. They showed an intense game and were able to put us under pressure in the second half," he added.

The Reds scraped a draw against Ludogorets in the fifth group games of the Champions League, having gone behind in the first half but were unfortunate not to have taken the full three points, conceding two minutes before the final whistle.

Liverpool's league form has been dismal this season, mostly owing to the departure of Luis Suarez and the injury to Daniel Sturridge. The duo, scoring a combined 50 goals for the club last season had led them close to fulfilling their title dreams, finishing just two points behind Manchester City on the final day.

Brendan Rodgers will be hoping for a change of fortunes in the months to come, or dropping out of a place in the top four, with Manchester United slowly finding their feet in the race. However, their main priority right now would be to win their game against Basel at Anfield in the next fixture and secure their position into the next round.