Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has maintained that the club's top priority this season is to finish in the top four of the Premier League.

The Reds face a mouthwatering clash against holders Real Madrid in the Champions League this evening, in the first meeting between the pair since a Steven Gerrard-inspired 4-0 win for the Reds in 2009.

Despite claiming that a top-four league finish is the main aim, Rodgers acknowledges that a big performance is needed against Madrid tonight if his side are to keep their European aspirations alive.

"We have to make sure we are in the top four and that will be our priority," he is quoted as saying by the Daily Star. "But big preparation has gone into this in order to qualify. These are the types of games that are talked about for years.

"Stevie's two goals in the last game against them are still talked about. We are going into the game after being up and down. But underpinning all the great performances last season was the spirit and character in the group and that will serve them well at the moment.

"They can go into the game to get a result for the team and what can come from that is a legendary status."

Liverpool are currently fifth in the Premier League table following their dramatic 3-2 victory over Queens Park Rangers on the weekend.