The former Reds man, now with Real Madrid, says that a Champions League match at Anfield will be a real test for his side no matter how the hosts’ last game went

Real Madrid defender Alvaro Arbeloa says that Liverpool are a team to be taken extremely seriously regardless of their underwhelming form.

The Reds were unconvincing in Sunday’s 3-2 win over QPR but host the Champions League holders in a group game on Wednesday and the former Reds man says that he would be worried even if “they had lost 10-0”.

Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo has told team-mates to expect a tough atmosphere at Anfield, having failed to score there during his time at Manchester United.

Arbeloa confirmed to reporters: “I’ve been telling them the same thing but Cristiano has mentioned he always found this the most difficult away ground from his time in the Premier League.

“Many things have changed from the last times the teams met [in 2009] – both clubs have brought in new players – but I think the Anfield atmosphere on a European night will always be the same.

“Even league matches have a special atmosphere here. It is difficult to explain, you just have to experience it. Every player should try it at least once in his career.

“People are telling me Liverpool did not play all that well at the weekend but, believe me, if they had lost 10-0 at QPR I would still be worried about coming here for a European night. We are expecting a tough game.”

Ronaldo has scored 17 goals in nine games for his club so far this season and Arbeloa says that his team-mate could hardly be in a better place.

“The form Cristiano is currently showing is incredible,” the full-back remarked. “The records he is setting in Spain at the moment take some believing.

“I don’t know if he is in the best form of his career – other people may be better placed to judge – but confidence-wise I’d say he is the highest he could be right now.”