Brendan Rodgers hails "special" Champions League group draw against Real Madrid

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has described his side's upcoming Champions League clash against Real Madrid as "special".

The Merseyside outfit will take on the reigning champions in the group stage, as well as Basel and Ludogorets Razgrad.

Liverpool are returning to the tournament for the first time in five years after finishing second to Premier League champions Manchester City last season.

In the past, the Reds have faced Madrid three times in European competitions and won all three matches against the Spanish giants.

"Initially, we're excited," Rodgers told the club's official website. "That was last season's hard work, what we were working towards - getting Liverpool back into a competition where we are synonymous.

"To be back in it again, no matter who we were going to play, it was always going to be exciting. But to have Real Madrid in your group, the champions last season, is going to be special.

"I'm already thinking of Anfield on that night, but there are two other good teams in it along with us. It's a tough group but we'll really look forward to the challenge of getting out of the group."

The first round of the group matches will take place on September 16 and September 17.