Liverpool face Real Madrid in a high-stakes Champions League league phase match at Anfield on Tuesday, with manager Arne Slot emphasizing respect for the visitors while confirming key injuries. The Reds seek to build on their recent 2-0 Premier League win over Aston Villa, while Madrid aim to extend their perfect record under Xabi Alonso. Trent Alexander-Arnold's return adds emotional intrigue to the fixture.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot previewed the upcoming Champions League clash against Real Madrid, describing the opponents as a "very good team" with a history of success in Europe. Slot highlighted Madrid's strong start to the season, noting they have won all three of their league phase matches and sit top of La Liga with 10 wins from 11 games. "Xabi [Alonso] is doing an incredible job," Slot said, adding that last season's encounter differed due to Madrid's injury issues at the time, which are absent now.
Team news sees Liverpool without striker Alexander Isak, who has a groin injury and has not trained, ruling him out for the match and likely preventing a start against Manchester City on Sunday. Goalkeeper Alisson and defender Jeremie Frimpong are also sidelined until at least November 22. Midfielder Ryan Gravenberch, fresh from scoring in the Villa win, addressed contract rumors: "We haven’t talked yet." Slot praised Gravenberch's adaptation, saying he has been in and around the box more, contributing offensively.
Real Madrid, led by former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso, arrive unbeaten in the competition with nine points. They recently beat Barcelona 2-1 in La Liga and thrashed Valencia 4-0. Trent Alexander-Arnold, who left Liverpool for Madrid last summer after 21 years at the club, could feature despite injury struggles, having last played five minutes in a 2-1 win over Marseille on September 16. Slot shared positive memories: "I have great memories of the player and human being. He was my vice-captain last season." Captain Virgil van Dijk added, "I think he’s been outstanding in his time in Liverpool."
Head-to-head stats show Madrid winning seven of the last nine meetings, though Liverpool triumphed 2-0 at Anfield last November. Liverpool sit 10th in the league phase with six points from three games, including a 5-1 win at Eintracht Frankfurt. Kick-off is at 20:00 GMT, with coverage on Amazon Prime Video in the UK.
Key Absences
- Liverpool: Alexander Isak (groin), Alisson (hamstring), Jeremie Frimpong (hamstring)
- Real Madrid: Franco Mastantuono (hernia), Dani Carvajal (knee), Antonio Rudiger (muscle)
The match promises intensity, with Liverpool's home form strong—20 wins in their last 22 Champions League home games.
