Liverpool vs Real Madrid – UEFA Champions League – Preview, Team News and Updates

The Champions League is back after a brief hiatus, and oh boy do we have some exciting games to look forward to. Bayern Munich’s high-stakes showdown with PSG and Juventus taking on an in-form Aston Villa are just a few of the mouthwatering fixtures to keep an eye on. But the crown jewel of this week’s UCL action? Liverpool’s epic home clash against the reigning champions, Real Madrid. This is the one everyone’s been waiting for.

Real Madrid have been Liverpool’s ultimate nemesis in recent years, consistently getting the better of the Reds when it matters most. Whenever these two European powerhouses clash, the history books tend to repeat themselves, no matter what the form guide says. From the heartbreak of the 2018 and 2022 Champions League finals to being outclassed in the 2020/21 quarterfinals and the 2022/23 Round of 16, Madrid have made a habit of spoiling Liverpool’s European dreams. However, the script might just be flipped this time around. Heading into this showdown, the Reds are in imperious form, topping the Premier League as well as the Champions League table. On the flip side, Los Blancos have been anything but consistent, struggling to find their rhythm despite their galaxy of stars. So, can Los Blancos step up when it matters most and derail Liverpool’s blistering momentum? Or will Arne Slot’s relentless Reds finally break their Madrid curse and continue their unstoppable charge forward? 

Liverpool vs Real Madrid – Match Preview  

Not even the most optimistic of Liverpool fans would have predicted the start that the Reds have made under the guidance of Arne Slot. The Dutchman has led Liverpool to 10 wins in his first 12 Premier League games. Only Carlo Ancelotti and Guus Hiddink have managed such a record in their first 12 Premier League games. Despite not being at their best, the Reds managed to come from behind to secure a 2-3 win at the St. Mary’s Stadium. With this victory, Liverpool have stretched their lead at the top of the Premier League to a comfortable eight points. And with a massive showdown against Manchester City looming this weekend, the Reds have the chance to widen that gap to an incredible 11 points.  

But before turning their attention to the domestic stage, there’s the not-so-small task of facing Real Madrid in the Champions League. Real Madrid have been a constant thorn down Liverpool’s side in recent seasons. Some heartbreaking losses at the grandest stage to the Merengues have scared most Liverpool fans. Having said that, Arne Slot’s men have the perfect opportunity to avenge those losses of past, as Real Madrid come into this game on the back of inconsistent performances. As the only team in UCL with a perfect record this season, the time is nigh for Liverpool to finally end their barren spell against the reigning European champions. That said, Madrid know a thing or two when it comes to defeating Liverpool. They are on an eight-game winning streak against the Reds, a streak which stretches back all the way to 2009. However, Los Blancos have already succumbed to two disappointing losses to LOSC Lille and AC Milan. Therefore, Carlo Ancelotti’s men cannot afford another slip-up. A loss at Anfield could spell doom for their hopes of qualifying directly to the Round of 16. 

Real Madrid have hit their stride in La Liga, cruising to back-to-back victories with a commanding 7-0 aggregate scoreline. Before the international break, they dismantled Osasuna 4-0 and followed it up with a comfortable 3-0 win over Leganes, cutting the gap to a faltering Barcelona to just four points at the summit.However, chasing down the Blaugrana is temporarily on the backburner. Real's focus shifts to avoiding a rare blemish on their Champions League record — something they've never endured before: losing three group-stage games in a single campaign. Despite their shaky European form this season, Los Blancos will draw confidence from their recent trips to Anfield. Their last visit to the Kop was nothing short of a masterclass, as they humbled Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool 5-2 in the 2022/23 Round of 16. They then sealed the deal with a professional 1-0 victory at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Liverpool vs Real Madrid – Team News and Updates 

Real Madrid are bracing for the trip to Anfield without their Brazilian star Vinicius Junior, who picked up a hamstring injury during the Leganes win. While the club hasn’t set a recovery timeline, reports suggest Vinicius could be sidelined for several weeks. He joins a packed injury list that includes long-term absentees David Alaba, Dani Carvajal, and Eder Militao, alongside Rodrygo (muscle), Aurelien Tchouameni (ankle), and Lucas Vazquez (muscle). Carlo Ancelotti hinted that Tchouameni and Vazquez might still have an outside chance to feature midweek, but it’s likely that Real will stick with the squad that secured victory against Leganes. Should Vinicius be unavailable, Brahim Diaz is the leading candidate to step into the attack, while defensive injuries could open the door for Castilla graduate Raul Asencio, 21, to make his Champions League debut. 

On the other side, Liverpool welcomed Harvey Elliott back into their matchday squad for the first time in over two months during their win at Southampton, following his recovery from a foot fracture. However, Alisson Becker (hamstring), Diogo Jota (abdominal), Federico Chiesa (fitness), and Trent Alexander-Arnold (hamstring) remained sidelined. Arne Slot admitted that Alexander-Arnold is the only player from the injured quartet with a slim chance of being ready for Wednesday’s clash. After a somewhat nervy performance at St. Mary’s, Slot is likely to make a few adjustments. Expect Alexis Mac Allister and Luis Diaz to return to the starting XI, reclaiming their spots from Curtis Jones and Cody Gakpo. 

Liverpool vs Real Madrid – Kick-Off Time and Date 

The game is scheduled to take place on 28th November 2024 (Thursday) at Anfield in Liverpool. The match will kick off at 1:30 AM (Indian Standard Time).    

Also Read: Liverpool vs Real Madrid Match Prediction, Fantasy Football Tips and Possible Starting XI