A fixture steeped in European history and drama, Liverpool and Real Madrid lock horns once again, this time under the Anfield lights in a clash that could shape the top end of the Champions League league-phase table.
The Reds will look to harness home advantage to halt the charge of Xabi Alonso’s free-flowing Real Madrid, who arrive in imperious form.
Liverpool Overview
Six defeats in their last seven matches across all competitions had placed Arne Slot under intense scrutiny, but a timely 2-0 win over Aston Villa on Saturday brought calm to Anfield and renewed belief ahead of this mammoth tie.
Mohamed Salah’s milestone 250th goal for the club, coupled with a deflected effort from Ryan Gravenberch, provided both relief and momentum for a side desperate to rediscover their spark.
Europe has offered Liverpool some solace. Their emphatic 5-1 triumph over Eintracht Frankfurt on matchday three was a reminder of the attacking power still coursing through Slot’s team.
The Reds now boast 15 consecutive home wins in European group-stage or league-phase matches, scoring two or more goals in each of the last 14.
They have also won their last five group/league-phase fixtures against Spanish opposition, including a 3-2 victory over Atlético Madrid earlier this season.
Real Madrid Overview
For Xabi Alonso, returning to Anfield is a sentimental occasion, but his focus remains on maintaining Real Madrid’s remarkable momentum.
Since taking charge from Carlo Ancelotti, Alonso has transformed Los Blancos into a near-unstoppable force.
They have won 13 of 14 matches this season, sitting top of La Liga and boasting a perfect Champions League record with victories over Marseille, Kairat, and Juventus.
Real’s domestic form has been equally ruthless, a 4-0 demolition of Valencia followed a dramatic 2-1 El Clásico win against Barcelona.
Historically, Madrid have thrived in the early stages of this competition, winning 15 of their last 18 league-phase matches.
On the previous four occasions they began a European campaign with four straight wins, they went on to lift the trophy twice, a stat that underscores just how dangerous this side can be when in rhythm.
Team News
Liverpool’s injury situation is slowly improving. Ryan Gravenberch’s return was a welcome boost, but Alisson Becker (hamstring), Jeremie Frimpong (hamstring), and Giovanni Leoni (ACL) are all unavailable. Arne Slot confirmed that Alexander Isak remains sidelined, while Curtis Jones is pushing for a return after resuming full training. Expect Alexis Mac Allister and Andy Robertson to keep their places after starring at the weekend.
Real Madrid face defensive issues, with Dani Carvajal (knee), Antonio Rüdiger (muscle), and David Alaba (calf) all ruled out. Franco Mastantuono (pubalgia) also misses out. Trent Alexander-Arnold, now at Madrid, is fit but may not start, having yet to play a minute since his hamstring recovery. Federico Valverde could once again fill in at right-back if Alonso opts for caution.
Predicted Lineups
Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Mamardashvili; Bradley, Konaté, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Gakpo; Ekitike.
Real Madrid (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Militão, Huijsen, Carreras; Valverde, Tchouaméni; Güler, Bellingham, Vinícius Jr; Mbappé.
Head-to-Head
This will be the 13th meeting between Liverpool and Real Madrid, three of which were European Cup or Champions League finals. The Reds have won four of those encounters (D1, L7), each victory coming without conceding while Madrid have won just two of their last nine matches against English opposition (D3, L4).
Hot Stats and Streaks
• None of Liverpool’s last 29 European group/league phase matches have ended in a draw.
• Five of Liverpool’s last six games produced over 2.5 goals.
• Real Madrid have recorded 10+ shots on target in each of their three Champions League matches this season.
• Only two of Madrid’s last eight away Champions League matches saw both teams score.
Match Info
Competition: UEFA Champions League
Date: Tuesday, November 4, 2025
Kick-off: 9:00 PM (WAT)
Venue: Anfield Stadium, Liverpool
Referee: István Kovács (Romania)
What’s at Stake
For Liverpool, victory would push them closer to the automatic qualification spots and reaffirm Anfield’s fortress status in Europe. For Real Madrid, a fourth straight win would consolidate their position in automatic qualification spots on the league-phase table and serve as another step toward reclaiming continental supremacy.
