Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel has warned his teammates that they must improve ahead of their crucial Champions League clash with Real Madrid.

The Reds, who welcome the defending champions to Anfield on Wednesday night, are currently in third place in Group B after taking three points from their opening two games.

Having earned a fortuitous 3-2 win over Queens Park Rangers in the Premier League on Sunday, Skrtel admits that Liverpool will have to perform better than they did at Loftus Road if they want to come away with a positive result against Madrid.

"We know it wasn't good enough but we will try to improve," he told the Liverpool Echo. "It wasn't the best performance from us at QPR, we know that and we know we have to try and improve in all ways."

Skrtel has made seven appearances in all competitions for Liverpool so far this season.