It’s another big European night at Anfield as Liverpool welcome Real Madrid in what’s always one of the most exciting fixtures in world football. This time, there’s an extra twist, former Liverpool star Xabi Alonso returns as manager of Madrid.
The Reds came into this week under some pressure after a poor run of form that saw them lose six of their previous seven games, but they bounced back strongly with a 2-0 win over Aston Villa at the weekend. That victory lifted the mood around Anfield and gave Arne Slot’s side some confidence heading into this huge Champions League test.
Liverpool will be counting on their incredible home record in Europe to give them the edge. They’ve now won 15 straight Champions League home games, scoring two or more goals in 14 of those.
They also have a great recent record against Spanish teams in the group stage, winning five in a row, including a comfortable victory over Atlético Madrid earlier this season. The Reds will look to start fast, use the crowd’s energy, and remind Europe that Anfield on a Champions League night is one of the hardest places to play.
Real Madrid arrive in England in red-hot form and full of confidence. They’ve won 13 of their 14 matches this season, losing just once, and they sit top of La Liga while also enjoying a perfect record in the Champions League so far.
Alonso’s team were outstanding in their 4-0 win over Valencia last weekend and before that, they produced a brilliant performance in the El Clásico victory over Barcelona. Madrid’s attack has been sharp, their midfield full of control, and their defence solid a sign of just how well-balanced this team is right now.
The Spanish giants know that a win at Anfield would not only keep their perfect European run going but also put them in a great position to finish top of the league phase. Historically, Madrid tend to go all the way when they start strong, the last four times they began a UCL campaign with four straight wins, they lifted the trophy twice.
However, they’ll be without promising youngster Franco Mastantuano, who, as earlier reported by Softfootball, has suffered a pubalgia injury and is ruled out. Still, with stars like Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham in top form, Alonso’s men will believe they can silence Anfield.
Real Madrid head to England to face Liverpool in what promises to be a blockbuster clash. Real Madrid gain its official X handle shared exclusive footage of the players at the airport ready to fly to Merseyside England. They posted:
Team News
Liverpool came through their win over Aston Villa without any new injuries, but they’ll still be missing Alisson and Alexander Isak. There’s some good news, though Trent Alexander-Arnold could make his first return to Anfield after injury. Midfielder Alexis Mac Allister will again be one to watch; Liverpool have won seven of the last nine games in which he has scored, including their 2-0 home win over Madrid last season.
Interestingly Liverpool players are more relaxed after bouncing back from a poor run of results to beat Aston Villa over the weekend. Since the victory the players have been an a better mood during training and workouts, the team via its X handle posted an exclusive video of the players in the gym room vibing and exercising in a relaxed atmosphere. Watch video below:
For Real Madrid, defensive injuries remain a worry, with several key players still sidelined. The big blow is Franco Mastantuano’s absence, but their attack remains strong. Vinícius Júnior has always enjoyed playing against Liverpool, being directly involved in seven goals in five meetings. Expect him to be a major threat again.
Possible Lineups
Liverpool possible starting lineup:
Mamardashvili; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Gakpo; Ekitike
Real Madrid earlier today in a statement via its official X handle, released the official Squad list of the players traveling to England to face Liverpool. They posted:
Real Madrid possible starting lineup:
Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Militao, Huijsen, Carreras; Valverde, Tchouameni; Guler, Bellingham, Vinicius Jr; Mbappe
SoftFootball Prediction
This match has everything from history to emotion, and world-class talent on both sides. Liverpool are always dangerous at Anfield and will rely on the crowd’s energy to keep their home streak alive. But Real Madrid are playing some of their best football under Alonso and come into this game full of belief after beating Valencia 4-0 and Barcelona in El Clásico. It’s hard to pick a winner, but both sides should get on the scoresheet but expect Real Madrid to edge this one slightly.
Prediction: Liverpool 1–3 Real Madrid
