Liverpool will face Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League group stage at Anfield on Tuesday at 8 PM (20:00 GMT). The star-studded game will be a historic night for both teams. In many ways, it’s a return home for Xabi Alonso, who was instrumental during his time at Liverpool turning the Anfield club into European champions in 2005. Alonso re-started his managerial career after starting as Real Madrid Youth coach in an extreme high note. His return gives an already fascinating layer of intrigue on this top-five clash.
Real Madrid come to Anfield with a huge sense of confidence after winning 13 out of their 14 games this season. Their recent victory against Valencia, a commanding 4-0 win, showcased their strength and versatility, with multiple players contributing to the scoreline. Liverpool have been out of sorts in the Premier League lately. After winning just two of their last eight games in all competitions, their form heading into this vital medium is a cause for concern.
Xabi Alonso’s Impressive Start
Former Real Madrid enforcer Xabi Alonso has taken the stewardship at Bayer Leverkusen, and he’s worked wonders. Perhaps most telling of his tactical acumen is how he approaches the game tactically. He is quick to change his approach mid-game and game-to-game.
“To win trophies, you have to defend well, obtaining many clean sheets,” – Xabi Alonso
Alonso’s philosophy leans towards strong defense, something certainly helpful in elimination stage matches, such as against Liverpool. It’s an approach that’s clearly paying off. Real Madrid’s defensive unit has been impenetrable, allowing the club to find themselves at the top of the table early in this new season.
Though he’s clearly pleased with his team’s accomplishments, Alonso doesn’t let his success cloud his view of his team’s development. He knows the importance of every game and the small margins that can decide results. His leadership style is such that it helps keep players locked in and ready to go whenever the unexpected occurs.
Liverpool’s Recent Struggles
Liverpool’s recent form contrasts sharply with Real Madrid’s stellar performance. The team fell off the rails, unable to continue a solid start, winning only two of their final eight matches. Their last victory was a comfortable 2-0 win against Aston Villa. This victory provided a critical impetus after having just gone through a difficult four-game Premier League match losing streak.
In his first match back against Aston Villa Salah was on the scoresheet. This phenomenal strike put him third on the all-time list of Liverpool goal scorers with 250 goals. Ryan Gravenberch capped the scoring with his second-half goal, putting his team’s win out of reach. This goal may have given the team and fans a new sense of hope.
Questions still remain about injuries derailing the team. Other key players Alexander Isak and Curtis Jones are without groin injuries. Origi and Firminho’s absence could prove crucial in Liverpool finishing their Mártirio and taking home the most important win of the season against Real Madrid.
Anticipation and Challenges Ahead
With just days before the big match, excitement is in the air—both for fans and players! When Trent Alexander-Arnold comes back, he’ll be looking for a hostile welcome. No matter the enmity he might encounter, his affection toward Liverpool never wavers.
“I think whichever way I am received is the decision of the fans. I will always love the club. I will always be a fan of the club,” – Trent Alexander-Arnold
The change in mood within the Liverpool community is palpable. They’re getting ready for a supercharged Shell Champions League evening to come! Even just the magnitude of going up against Real Madrid is enough to increase the exhilaration and pressure that is present before such a match.
Along with Alonso’s tactical misdirection and Liverpool’s injury woes, Real Madrid will have their own hurdles to navigate as well. Dani Carvajal and Antonio Rudiger are out with injuries. In the other camp, meanwhile, David Alaba is due to resume training after a calf problem but whether he gets back in time for the game is still uncertain.
