Anfield will be the scene of a clash between two giants of European football this evening, as Liverpool host Real Madrid in the Champions League. While the Reds must consolidate their unbeaten record and top spot, Real Madrid will have to make up for the absence of a number of players if they are to return to winning ways. Carlo Ancelotti has already unveiled his official line-up.
This is the clash that everyone has been waiting for, the rematch of the 2018 and 2022 Champions League finals. Liverpool go into this match with confidence, buoyed by their excellent start to the season. Under Jürgen Klopp’s successor, Arne Slot, the Reds dominate the Premier League, eight points clear of Manchester City, and are shining in the Champions League.
Opposite them, Real Madrid are having a chaotic European campaign. The Merengues (18th) have failed to convince anyone since beating Barcelona (0-4) and AC Milan (1-3). While La Liga offers some glimmers of hope with convincing wins over Osasuna and Leganés, Anfield represents a real test for Carlo Ancelotti and his team-mates.
| Team | Player | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Liverpool | Trent Alexander-Arnold | Uncertain |
| Liverpool | Alisson | Possible return |
| Liverpool | Harvey Elliott | Probable return |
| Liverpool | Diogo Jota | Probable return |
| Real Madrid | Vinícius Júnior | Injured |
| Real Madrid | Éder Militão | Cruciate ligament |
| Real Madrid | Dani Carvajal | Long-term absence |
| Real Madrid | Aurélien Tchouaméni | Unavailable |
Indeed, since the arrival of Arne Slot, Liverpool have rediscovered their colours. With five consecutive wins in all competitions, the Reds are showing remarkable consistency. Mohamed Salah, with 12 goals and 10 assists, remains the key to the attack. Luis Diaz, scorer of a hat-trick in the Champions League, and Darwin Nunez provide different attacking solutions. In defence, the duo of Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté continues to impress.
Real Madrid will still have to contend with a number of key absentees, with Vinícius Jr, Éder Militão and Dani Carvajal all injured. With the exception of two players, Carlo Ancelotti has decided to keep faith with the team that beat Leganés last Sunday. Forced to replace Vinicius Jr, the Transalpine coach has put his faith in Brahim Diaz to partner Kylian Mbappé in attack. The other change concerns Ferland Mendy, who returns to his place on the left of the defence. The rest of the line-up is classic, with Courtois, Rudiger, Asencio, Valverde, Camavinga, Arda Guler and Luka Modric.
Real Madrid’s official line-up against Liverpool
