Brendan Rodgers made seven changes for this side’s trip to Spain, but the winger is confident that the Reds will qualify from Group B despite their defeat at the Bernabeu

Gareth Bale has expressed surprise at Liverpool’s heavily rotated line-up against Real Madrid but commended their performance in the 1-0 loss.

Brendan Rodgers made seven changes from the side who lost 1-0 to Newcastle on Sunday, with the manager seemingly casting one eye on the weekend clash against Premier League leaders Chelsea.

The selection was met with criticism from some quarters, namely Gary Lineker, but Bale was impressed by Liverpool’s display and backed the faltering club to improve their form sooner rather than later.

“I was surprised by how many changes [they made],” Bale told ITV. “But they worked hard, they gave a good account of themselves.

“It’s always difficult coming to the Bernabeu, playing against us. We’re always confident at our home ground, but they played well.

“Under Brendan Rodgers they’re playing some great football, they’re obviously going through a bit of a sticky patch but that happens to teams and I think they’ll come out of it stronger and back to their best.”

The result leaves Liverpool facing a fight to reach the last 16 of the Champions League as they trail Basel by three points with two games to play, but Bale is confident they will qualify.

He continued: “Yeah, I fully expect Liverpool [to qualify], it’s a massive club, they play difficult games week in, week out and they want to be in the top competitions.

“I’m sure they’ll be raring to, ready to win both the games and give a fight to qualify with us.”