We preview the highly anticipated UEFA Champions League clash at Anfield on Wednesday, offering our Liverpool vs. Real Madrid prediction. Will the Reds preserve their flawless record?
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Liverpool vs Real Madrid: Match Preview
The introduction of the UEFA Champions League’s 36-team league phase was designed to offer fans more showdowns between Europe’s elite, and Wednesday’s encounter at Anfield is a perfect example.
Liverpool, the only team to have emerged victorious in all four of their matches in the 2024-25 tournament, face defending champions Real Madrid in what could be the most significant fixture of this Champions League season so far.
Arne Slot’s tenure at Anfield has had an exceptional start, with Sunday’s thrilling 3-2 comeback victory over Southampton propelling them eight points clear at the top of the Premier League table and establishing them as strong title contenders. Liverpool also hold the competition’s only unblemished record after defeating Milan, Bologna, RB Leipzig, and Bayer Leverkusen.
As Matchday 5 approaches, Liverpool remain one of the frontrunners to claim the Champions League crown.
Liverpool have only once started a major European campaign with a better 100% record, winning their first seven Champions League games in the 2021-22 season, which ended with them finishing as runners-up to Real Madrid.
Once again, the Reds may look to Mohamed Salah for inspiration. The Egyptian forward, who scored twice against Southampton on Sunday, has been directly involved in 66.7% of Liverpool’s Premier League goals this season (10 goals, 6 assists). He has also registered at least one assist in each of his last three Champions League appearances.
Although Salah is known for cutting inside from the right, he has excelled at creating opportunities from wide positions this season. Liverpool have netted more goals from crosses (five out of 10) in this year’s Champions League than any other team, with Salah providing the assists for their last three goals of this type.
Since succeeding Jürgen Klopp, Arne Slot has emphasized the importance of control, but Liverpool’s relentless pressing remains a cornerstone of their play and could prove decisive on another electrifying European night at Anfield. Ryan Gravenberch has been instrumental in this regard, recovering possession more than any other central midfielder in the Champions League this season (30 times) while also boasting Liverpool’s highest pass completion rate (93%).
Their dominant 4-0 victory over Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen on Matchday 4 highlighted their form, yet Slot’s squad now faces perhaps their toughest challenge as 15-time European champions Real Madrid arrive at Anfield.
Carlo Ancelotti’s men prepared for their trip to Merseyside with a comfortable 3-0 La Liga win over Leganés on Sunday but suffered a significant setback as Vinícius Júnior sustained a hamstring injury, ruling him out of Wednesday’s clash. Vinícius has been Real Madrid’s standout contributor this season with at least seven more goal involvements (12 goals, 6 assists) than any other teammate, in addition to creating a team-leading 43 chances.
Despite this, Los Blancos have shown resilience in Vinícius’ absence. Since the beginning of last season, they’ve won 75% of their matches without him (12 of 16), compared to a 71.9% win rate (41 of 57) when he plays. They’ve even marginally increased their goals per game (2.4 without him, versus 2.3 with him).
Although Real Madrid are perennial contenders in Europe, they are under pressure heading into this fixture, sitting 18th in the standings with just six points from four games. Their 3-1 home defeat to Milan on Matchday 4 marked their second loss in three Champions League outings (W1), equaling the number of defeats from their previous 28 matches (W20, D6).
If Madrid are to turn their fortunes around, Kylian Mbappé could be pivotal. The French forward has scored 49 goals in 77 Champions League appearances and is on the cusp of becoming the fourth-fastest player to reach 50 goals in the competition, following Ruud van Nistelrooy (62 games), Lionel Messi (66), and Robert Lewandowski (77).
Liverpool vs Real Madrid: Head-to-Head
Real Madrid are the opponents Liverpool have suffered the most defeats against in European competition, losing to Los Blancos on seven occasions, including painful Champions League final defeats in 2018 and 2022.
The two sides last met in the 2022-23 round of 16, where Madrid delivered a crushing 5-2 victory at Anfield before securing progression with a 1-0 win in the return leg at home.
That emphatic away win marked a historic moment for Madrid, becoming the first team in Champions League history to overturn a two-goal deficit and win by a three-goal margin. They were also the first visitors to score five goals at Anfield in a European match.
Liverpool vs Real Madrid: Team News
Liverpool
Trent Alexander-Arnold will be available for Liverpool’s Champions League clash against Real Madrid tonight.
The right-back was substituted during the victory over Aston Villa before the international break and subsequently withdrew from England duty due to a hamstring issue.
Alexander-Arnold also missed Sunday’s dramatic 3-2 win over Southampton in the Premier League after manager Arne Slot suggested his return might occur “between” the Madrid encounter and the upcoming league match against Manchester City.
However, the defender trained with the squad on Tuesday, ramping up his efforts to prove his fitness for the showdown with the Spanish champions. Slot confirmed his inclusion in the squad but indicated he is unlikely to feature in the starting XI.
Harvey Elliott, who recovered from a foot injury, made his return to the bench on Sunday, adding depth to Slot’s lineup, though Liverpool still face a significant injury list.
Key players Alisson Becker, Diogo Jota, and Federico Chiesa remain unavailable for the clash against the European champions.
Alexis Mac Allister and Luis Díaz could be reinstated to the starting lineup after beginning the Southampton game on the bench, while Kostas Tsimikas is ruled out with an ankle injury.
Liverpool – Predicted Lineup
- Goalkeeper: Kelleher
- Defenders: Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson
- Midfielders: Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai
- Forwards: Diaz, Nunez, Salah
Real Madrid
Real Madrid will be missing several key players for today’s Champions League showdown with Liverpool.
The defending European champions face their sternest challenge yet at Anfield, going up against a Liverpool side leading the group with four consecutive victories.
Vinícius Jr. has been ruled out for a few weeks due to a left leg injury and has not traveled with the squad.
Rodrygo will also be absent after sustaining a knock against Osasuna earlier this month, while Éder Militão is sidelined for the season following an ACL injury.
Dani Carvajal remains unavailable, and although Lucas Vázquez has recovered quicker than expected, he is unlikely to start and may only feature as part of the squad. Federico Valverde is expected to once again deputize at right-back.
With both Vinícius and Rodrygo unavailable, Brahim Díaz and Arda Güler could be in line for rare starts, joining Kylian Mbappé in the attack.
The Frenchman is expected to occupy the left wing in Vinícius’ absence as he aims to find his best form for Real Madrid, having netted just once in the Champions League this season.
Jude Bellingham is set to feature in midfield, likely alongside Luka Modrić, with Eduardo Camavinga taking on a deeper role.
Real Madrid – Predicted Lineup
- Goalkeeper: Courtois
- Defenders: Valverde, Raul, Rudiger, Mendy
- Midfielders: Modric, Camavinga, Bellingham
- Forwards: Guler, Mbappe, Diaz
Liverpool vs Real Madrid: Match Prediction
Following their contrasting transfer windows, many fans might have anticipated Liverpool and Real Madrid being in different positions in the league phase table at this point. However, the defending champions have been struck by a series of injuries, leaving them looking vulnerable against the Premier League leaders.
Liverpool’s only loss this season remains their unexpected home defeat to Nottingham Forest. For the first time in a while, they enter this encounter with Madrid as potential favourites.
Vinícius’ absence is a significant setback, and while it may give Mbappé more freedom to roam and attack from various positions, it could prove to be a key factor as Liverpool aim to secure their first win over Madrid since 2009.
Prediction: Liverpool 2-1 Real Madrid
When and Where to Watch Liverpool vs Real Madrid? Broadcast and Streaming Details
The UEFA Champions League 2024-25 match between Liverpool and Real Madrid will take place at Anfield Stadium in Liverpool, England. The match is set for November 28 at 1:30 am IST. It will be broadcast live on the Sony TEN Network and can be streamed online via Sony LIV.
Read More: Are Arsenal’s 2024-25 Premier League Title Hopes Gone?
FAQs
When is the Liverpool vs Real Madrid UEFA Champions League match?
The match will take place on November 28 at 1:30 am IST at Anfield, Liverpool.
Where can I watch the Liverpool vs Real Madrid match?
The game will be live telecast on the Sony TEN Network and can be streamed on Sony LIV.
What are the key injury updates for Real Madrid ahead of the match?
Real Madrid will be without Vinícius Jr., Rodrygo, Éder Militão, and Dani Carvajal, while Lucas Vázquez is unlikely to start despite recovering from injury.
Who are the favorites going into the match between Liverpool and Real Madrid?
Liverpool enter as the favorites, having won all four of their Champions League games this season and sitting top of the Premier League.
