Liverpool vs. Real Madrid - Preview ,prediction, team news, lineups, key players to miss the clash
Liverpool and Real Madrid prepare to reignite their storied rivalry in Wednesday’s highly anticipated Champions League clash. Both clubs have rich European histories, but they arrive at this fixture in contrasting forms, promising a thrilling contest.
Match Preview
Liverpool, under the guidance of Arne Slot, have been exceptional this season. Slot recently joined an elite group of managers by securing 10 wins in his first 12 Premier League games, following a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Southampton. Mohamed Salah’s decisive double in that match extended Liverpool’s lead at the top of the Premier League table to eight points. On the European front, the Reds remain the only team with a perfect record in the Champions League group stage, having secured 12 points from four matches. A dominant 4-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen on matchday four further underlined their European credentials.
While Liverpool’s domestic and continental form inspires confidence, their recent history against Real Madrid does not. The Merseyside club has failed to win in their last eight meetings with the Spanish giants, suffering seven defeats and managing just one draw. Notable among these losses are the 2018 and 2022 Champions League finals. Liverpool’s last victory over Real Madrid dates back to a 4-0 win at Anfield in 2009.
Real Madrid, meanwhile, have been uncharacteristically inconsistent in the Champions League this season. Sitting 18th in the group stage rankings, they have already suffered two losses—1-0 to Lille and 3-1 to AC Milan. These setbacks leave them in danger of losing three group stage matches in a single season, a fate they have never experienced in the competition. However, domestically, Carlo Ancelotti’s side has regained momentum. Back-to-back La Liga wins, including a 4-0 thrashing of Osasuna and a 3-0 victory over Leganes, have bolstered their confidence ahead of their trip to Anfield.
Team News
Liverpool head into the match with a mixed injury report. Harvey Elliott returned to the squad against Southampton after recovering from a foot fracture, but Kostas Tsimikas (ankle), Alisson Becker (hamstring), Diogo Jota (abdominal), Federico Chiesa (fitness), and Trent Alexander-Arnold (hamstring) remain doubts. Slot has confirmed that Alexander-Arnold will be included in the squad but is unlikely to start. Alexis Mac Allister and Luis Diaz are expected to return to the starting lineup, replacing Curtis Jones and Cody Gakpo.
Real Madrid face significant injury woes, particularly in their attacking and defensive units. Brazilian star Vinicius Junior is sidelined with a hamstring injury sustained during their win over Leganes. He joins David Alaba, Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao, Rodrygo, and Aurelien Tchouameni in the medical bay. Ancelotti will likely call upon Brahim Diaz to fill Vinicius’s role, while Castilla graduate Raul Asencio is set to make his Champions League debut in defense. Lucas Vazquez is the only player returning from injury for this clash.
Prediction
Liverpool’s attacking depth and excellent home form make them favorites to end their winless run against Real Madrid. However, the Spanish giants’ experience in high-stakes matches cannot be underestimated, even with their injury-depleted squad. A closely fought encounter is expected, with Liverpool holding a slight edge due to their current momentum and home advantage.
Liverpool possible starting lineup: Kelleher; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Diaz; Nunez
Real Madrid possible starting lineup: Courtois; Valverde, Asencio, Rudiger, Mendy; Camavinga, Modric; Guler, Bellingham, Diaz; Mbappe
blogpay
Total Comments: 0