Liverpool and Real Madrid are set to rekindle their historic rivalry on Wednesday in a highly anticipated Champions League showdown.
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With both teams chasing European glory, this encounter promises thrilling action, tactical battles, and the potential for dramatic moments.
Match Preview
The Liverpool-Real Madrid rivalry has produced unforgettable moments in football history. Wednesday’s clash at Anfield marks another chapter in this storied saga.
Arne Slot’s Liverpool side are the only team in this season’s Champions League with a perfect record after four matchdays.
They sit comfortably atop the 36-team standings, a stark contrast to Real Madrid’s inconsistent campaign, which sees the defending champions languishing in 18th place.
Liverpool head into this fixture on the back of a dramatic 3-2 Premier League win over Southampton, inspired by Mohamed Salah’s brilliance. Salah’s decisive brace extended Liverpool’s dominance in the league, securing their 10th victory in 12 matches under Slot.
The Reds are also looking to continue their spotless Champions League record, having crushed Bayer Leverkusen 4-0 on matchday four.
Despite their strong form, Liverpool face a daunting task to break an eight-match winless streak against Real Madrid, a stretch that includes defeats in the 2018 and 2022 Champions League finals.
However, with their potent attack firing on all cylinders, Liverpool will aim to rewrite the script and secure their first victory over the Spanish giants since 2009.
Real Madrid’s Challenge
Real Madrid’s Champions League campaign has been far from ideal. Losses to Lille and AC Milan have dented their standing, and they now find themselves in unfamiliar territory: the possibility of losing three group-stage games in a single season.
However, recent domestic form offers a glimmer of hope. The La Liga giants have recorded back-to-back victories, including a 4-0 thrashing of Osasuna and a 3-0 win against Leganes.
These performances have boosted their morale ahead of the trip to Anfield.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side will, however, be without key players, including Vinicius Junior, who suffered a hamstring injury in their last outing.
With a squad plagued by injuries, Real Madrid must rely on young talents like Brahim Diaz and Castilla graduate Raul Asencio to fill the gaps.
Team News
Liverpool:
Liverpool welcomed Harvey Elliott back to the squad after a lengthy injury layoff, but the team still faces fitness concerns.
Alisson Becker, Diogo Jota, Federico Chiesa, and Trent Alexander-Arnold remain doubtful. Among them, Alexander-Arnold has the best chance of making a return.
Changes are expected in Liverpool’s lineup, with Alexis Mac Allister and Luis Diaz likely to start in place of Curtis Jones and Cody Gakpo.
Real Madrid:
Real Madrid’s injury list includes Vinicius Junior, David Alaba, Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao, Rodrygo, and Lucas Vazquez.
Aurelien Tchouameni and Vazquez remain doubtful but might make late returns. Brahim Diaz is set to step into Vinicius Junior’s role, while young defender Raul Asencio could make his Champions League debut.
Projected Lineups:
- Liverpool: Kelleher; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Diaz; Nunez
- Real Madrid: Courtois; Valverde, Asencio, Rudiger, Mendy; Camavinga, Modric; Guler, Bellingham, Diaz; Mbappe
Prediction
Liverpool’s impeccable form and Real Madrid’s injury woes tilt the balance in the Reds’ favor.
Although Ancelotti’s side can never be underestimated in Europe, Liverpool’s attacking prowess and home advantage make them strong favorites to secure their first victory over Los Blancos in 15 years.
Expect an intense, high-stakes contest where Liverpool’s hunger and determination could make all the difference.
