- Anfield is bracing for a blockbuster Champions League clash on Tuesday night as Liverpool host Real Madrid in Matchday 4 of the 2025/26 league phase.
- The encounter rekindles one of European football’s most storied rivalries, with both clubs desperate to assert dominance in a tightly contested group.
Liverpool enter the fixture in turbulent form, having lost four of their last five Premier League matches. However, a morale-boosting 2–0 win over Aston Villa at the weekend may have steadied the ship for manager Arne Slot, who was under increasing pressure following a string of poor results.
READ ALSO: Champions League Clash: PSG Host Bayern Munich in High-Stakes Showdown at Parc des Princes
In Europe, the Reds have shown flashes of brilliance, notably in their 5–1 demolition of Eintracht Frankfurt. With two wins and one loss in the group so far, Liverpool sit just outside the automatic last-16 places on goal difference.
Liverpool vs Real Madrid preview
Real Madrid, meanwhile, arrive in imperious form. Under Xabi Alonso, Los Blancos have won 13 of their last 14 matches in all competitions, including all three Champions League fixtures, conceding just once. Their recent 4–0 thrashing of Valencia and a 2–1 El Clásico win over Barcelona have cemented their status as one of Europe’s most feared sides.
Key players and team news
Liverpool will be without key figures including goalkeeper Alisson Becker and defender Giovanni Leoni. Alexander Isak and Jeremie Frimpong remain doubtful, while Ryan Gravenberch’s return offers a timely boost.
Real Madrid are also dealing with defensive absences, with Dani Carvajal and Antonio Rudiger ruled out, and David Alaba a major doubt. However, their attacking quartet of Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, Vinícius Jr, and Arda Güler has been in scintillating form, combining for goals and assists across recent fixtures.
Mbappé, in particular, has been unstoppable, scoring 13 goals in 11 La Liga matches and five in three Champions League games this season.
The fixture will see Trent Alexander-Arnold return to Anfield for the first time since his transfer to Madrid, and its likely he will face a hostile reception from his former fan base.
READ ALSO: Slot says Liverpool need trophies for Salah to boost Ballon d’Or bid
Head-to-head history
The two sides have met 12 times in the Champions League, with Real Madrid holding the edge with seven wins to Liverpool’s four. However, the Reds claimed a 2–0 victory at Anfield in their last meeting, ending an eight-game winless run against the Spanish giants.
With Anfield under the lights and a passionate home crowd behind them, Liverpool will hope to channel their European pedigree. But given Real Madrid’s current form and firepower, many pundits are tipping the visitors to edge a close contest. Predictions range from a narrow 2–1 win for Madrid to a more emphatic 3–1 scoreline.
Be sure to follow all the LIVE action with the all new SportPesa Score app.
