European football giants Liverpool and Real Madrid renew their historic rivalry in a high-stakes UEFA Champions League group-stage showdown at Anfield on Tuesday night. In a game steeped in nostalgia, current Real Madrid manager and former Liverpool star Xabi Alonso returns to his old stomping ground, seeking to maintain his side’s blistering form in Europe’s elite competition.
Match Preview: What to Expect from Liverpool vs Real Madrid
- Fixture: Liverpool vs Real Madrid
- Competition: UEFA Champions League (Group Stage)
- Venue: Anfield, Liverpool
- Kickoff: Tuesday at 20:00 GMT
- Coverage: Live build-up from 17:00 GMT, including live text commentary available via Al Jazeera Sport
This match is a critical early test for both sides, with group-stage positioning at stake and both clubs eyeing another deep run in Europe. While Liverpool, under new manager Arne Slot, aim to regain consistency after a shaky start to the season, Real Madrid arrive in England in fine form with momentum on their side.
Xabi Alonso’s Return to Anfield: A Storyline Steeped in Emotion
Alonso Transforms Real Madrid into Contenders Again
After a remarkable tenure at Bayer Leverkusen, Xabi Alonso has enjoyed a near-perfect start as manager of Real Madrid. His tactical flexibility, high-pressing style, and player-focused approach have turned Los Blancos into a force again, winning 13 of their 14 matches this season.
Real’s only slip-up came in a shock 5-2 defeat against Atletico Madrid, but the Spanish giants bounced back emphatically, defeating Barcelona 3-1 in El Clasico and dismantling Valencia 4-0 over the weekend.
Fans will remember Alonso not only for his deep-lying playmaker role during Liverpool’s famous 2005 Champions League triumph in Istanbul but also for his five years of elegance in midfield under Rafael Benitez.
Team Form and Recent Performances
Liverpool Desperate for Stability
Liverpool’s Premier League form has been poor of late, with just two wins in their last eight matches across all competitions. However, a 2-0 bounce-back victory over Aston Villa at the weekend—featuring a much-needed goal from Mohamed Salah—may signal a turning point. Klopp’s successor, Arne Slot, hopes the renewed confidence will carry over into Tuesday’s Champions League clash.
Real Madrid Flying High
Real Madrid’s renaissance under Alonso has been built on a resilient defense and a lethal attack. With stars like Kylian Mbappe (18 goals this season) and England’s Jude Bellingham, who has scored in huge matches against Juventus and Barcelona, Madrid will be confident of a positive result at Anfield.
Despite missing a penalty in his last visit to Anfield, Mbappe now looks settled and sharp, adding pressing to his repertoire under Alonso’s guidance. However, there’s some tension in the squad: Vinicius Jr publicly expressed frustration after being subbed against Barcelona but has since apologised and responded with a strong performance against Valencia.
Player Focus: Key Battles to Watch
- Mohamed Salah vs. Eder Militão: With defender Antonio Rudiger out injured, Salah will look to exploit any weaknesses in Madrid’s backline.
- Jude Bellingham vs. Dominik Szoboszlai: Two midfield giants go head-to-head in a duel of creativity and intensity.
- Kylian Mbappe vs. Virgil van Dijk: Mbappe’s speed and finishing will be tested by Van Dijk’s positional strength and leadership.
Team News: Injuries and Absences
Liverpool Team News
- OUT: Alisson Becker (hamstring), Curtis Jones (groin), Alexander Isak (groin), Jeremy Frimpong (hamstring), Giovanni Leoni (ACL)
- LIKELY STARTERS: Mamardashvili will continue in goal, while Andy Robertson and Alexis Mac Allister should keep their starting spots after solid performances.
Liverpool predicted lineup:
Mamardashvili; Bradley, Konate, van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Gakpo; Ekitike
Real Madrid Team News
- OUT: Dani Carvajal (knee), Antonio Rudiger (muscle), David Alaba (calf – 50/50)
- IN: Trent Alexander-Arnold is expected to start in Carvajal’s absence after joining Madrid in the summer.
Real Madrid predicted lineup:
Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Militao, Huijsen, Carreras; Valverde, Tchouameni; Guler, Bellingham, Vinicius Jr; Mbappe
Head-to-Head Record and Champions League History
Liverpool and Real Madrid first met in the 1981 European Cup final, a game Liverpool won 1-0. Since then, the sides have played a total of 12 times—with Madrid winning seven, Liverpool four, and one ending in a draw.
Madrid have won seven of the last nine encounters, but Liverpool were victorious in their most recent clash—a 2-0 win at Anfield in November 2024 during the Champions League group stage.
Manager Insights Ahead of Kickoff
Arne Slot (Liverpool):
“You always look forward to Champions League nights, but against Real Madrid, it’s even more special. The margins are small, but if we stick to our game plan and improve our finishing, we can win.”
Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid):
“It’s emotional to return to Anfield, but once the whistle blows, our focus is on the three points. We are evolving every week, and I believe in this squad.”
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