Liverpool vs Real Madrid: Preview, Prediction & Lineups

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Liverpool vs. Real Madrid at Anfield promises another epic chapter in their burgeoning rivalry. Both teams are in contrasting forms this season, but the stakes remain high. Liverpool, under Arne Slot, have been flying, topping their Champions League group with a perfect record and sitting atop the Premier League. Meanwhile, Real Madrid, struggling by their lofty standards, face a must-win clash to keep their Champions League hopes alive.

Team News & Tactics

Liverpool

The Reds have a few key absences, with Alisson Becker, Federico Chiesa, and Diogo Jota sidelined. Trent Alexander-Arnold, who missed the Southampton game, could return, adding dynamism to Liverpool’s attack. Harvey Elliott might also play a part after being named in the squad recently.

Liverpool’s likely 4-2-3-1 setup will focus on high pressing and quick transitions:

Goalkeeper: Caoimhin Kelleher deputizes for Alisson.
Defense: Alexander-Arnold and Konstantinos Tsimikas as full-backs, supported by Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk centrally.
Midfield: Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister will anchor the midfield with a focus on controlling tempo.
Attack: Dominik Szoboszlai as the creative force in the No.10 role, with Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz on the wings, and Darwin Nunez leading the line.

Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Kelleher; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Diaz; Nunez

Real Madrid

Los Blancos face an injury crisis, missing Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo Goes, Eder Militao, Aurelien Tchouameni, Dani Carvajal, and David Alaba. Lucas Vazquez is available but might not feature heavily.

Carlo Ancelotti is expected to deploy a 4-3-3 with an emphasis on midfield control and quick counters:

Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois remains a reliable presence.
Defense: Federico Valverde likely shifts to right-back, Antonio Rudiger partners Raul Asencio, and Ferland Mendy takes the left-back spot.
Midfield: Luka Modric and Eduardo Camavinga provide defensive stability, with Jude Bellingham granted freedom to roam.
Attack: Kylian Mbappe assumes the left-wing role, Arda Guler operates on the right, and Brahim Diaz starts centrally but will drop deep to create space for Mbappe.

Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Courtois; Valverde, Asencio, Rudiger, Mendy; Camavinga, Modric, Bellingham; Guler, Diaz, Mbappe

Key Stats

Liverpool’s last win against Real Madrid was in March 2009.
Real Madrid have won seven of the 11 meetings between the two teams.
Los Blancos triumphed 5-2 at Anfield and 1-0 at home in the 2022/23 Champions League Round of 16.
Liverpool have only defeated Madrid thrice, including their 1980/81 final victory.
Liverpool enter this fixture on a five-match winning streak across all competitions.

Player to Watch: Kylian Mbappe

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With Vinicius Junior out, Mbappe will take his preferred left-wing role, where he can exploit Liverpool’s high defensive line. His pace, directness, and goal-scoring ability make him a lethal threat, particularly on the counter. With nine goals and two assists in 17 appearances this season, the Frenchman will be pivotal to Madrid’s attacking game.