Liverpool face Real Madrid tonight in the Champions League clash at Anfield, aiming to break their winless streak against the Spanish giants. After suffering a 1-0 defeat in the Round of 16 during the 2022-23 season, the Reds seek redemption at Anfield.
Real Madrid has haunted Liverpool throughout Jurgen Klopp’s era, including two Champions League final losses despite the Reds’ dominance. The infamous 2017-18 final saw Sergio Ramos intentionally injuring legend Mohamed Salah to turn the game in Real’s favour.
The Reds have won 16 out of 18 games in all competitions this season under Arne Slot. No one at Merseyside is looking at this game as an opportunity for revenge amid bigger priorities.
A big week ahead pic.twitter.com/Jhb1r6wcfQ
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) November 25, 2024
Liverpool’s focus remains on maintaining momentum before their Premier League title-defining clash against Manchester City. The two major clashes against Real and Man City could either hamper their season or provide a major boost.
Liverpool’s predicted lineup for the game against their bitter European rivals is as follows-
Goalkeeper: Caoimhin Kelleher
Caoimhin Kelleher steps into the spotlight as Alisson Becker continues recovering from a hamstring injury sustained against Crystal Palace. The Irish international has enjoyed sensational form for his club and country to maintain Liverpool’s consistency.
Kelleher conceded two goals against Southampton despite saving a penalty but made many saves to keep the team within the competition. Facing Real, Kelleher must replicate his best to withstand their relentless attacking firepower and ability to hit with fast-paced counters.
Right-back: Joe Gomez
Joe Gomez could earn a start ahead of Conor Bradley who played against Southampton during the last weekend. Bradley had a tough outing against the Saints and Liverpool need a more defensively sound option at the right-back position.
Gomez is the best option to negate the threat of Kylian Mbappe who would play at his preferred position in the absence of Vinicius Junior.
Centre-back: Ibrahima Konate
Konate has enjoyed an outstanding season so far, putting his issues with poor fitness and nagging injuries at bay. The French international has dominated the defence with aerial and ground supremacy throughout this season alongside captain Virgil van Dijk.
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate have formed a dominant defensive wall for the club this season.
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate have formed a dominant defensive wall for the club this season.
However, Konate had moments of struggle against Southampton which should act as a wake-up call before the two big games.
Centre-back: Virgil van Dijk
The dominant Liverpool captain has regained his past best form and shows no sign of regression, proving his naysayers wrong. However, the 33-year-old’s complacent passing allowed a counter-attack from Southampton which led to a goal against the Reds.
Van Dijk’s leadership and performance are critical for the Reds to secure a monumental victory against the Spanish rivals.
Left-back: Andrew Robertson
With Kostas Tsimikas sidelined due to injury, Robertson must deliver a strong performance at left-back. His overlapping runs and pinpoint crosses could trouble Real Madrid’s defence along with his work-rate and defensive experience.
Robertson regained a lot of momentum after his poor performance against Arsenal and needs to show that class is permanent.
Number six midfielder: Ryan Gravenberch
No player has made more interceptions than Ryan Gravenberch in the Premier League this season (23). pic.twitter.com/OGh6Uvt6lz
— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) November 25, 2024
Gravenberch has enjoyed a sensational season and needs to prove himself on the biggest stage against top clubs. His energy and skill in driving the ball forward make him indispensable while the 22-year-old has progressed immensely in fulfilling his defensive duties.
Number eight midfielder: Alexis Mac Allister
Mac Allister remains a key figure despite a lack of goals or assists this season, offering control and calmness in midfield. His vision and ball retention will help Liverpool dictate the game’s tempo against a strong opposition midfield.
Alongside Gravenberch, Mac Allister needs to make sure that they don’t leave too much space for the opponents to exploit.
Number ten midfielder: Curtis Jones
Jones could start over Dominik Szoboszlai for his superior ability to maintain possession under pressure and come out from the congested spaces. Both players have a remarkable work rate, but Jones provides better control in key moments which is necessary. His presence will ensure Liverpool’s midfield remains disciplined and compact against Real Madrid’s counter-attacks.
Curtis Jones has the best pass success rate of any midfielder in Europe's top five leagues this season (94.8%). pic.twitter.com/3Bchghu8Lu
— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) November 25, 2024
Right-wing: Mohamed Salah
Salah faced immense scrutiny after recent comments about his contract brought criticism from Jamie Carragher. Tonight, the 32-year-old has the perfect chance to prove doubters wrong and shine against his old rivals.
Liverpool legend Mohamed Salah has continued his prolific goal scoring form this season.
Liverpool legend Mohamed Salah has continued his prolific goal-scoring form this season.
Salah has a score to settle with Liverpool against Real Madrid while showcasing his professionalism at Anfield to silence the likes of Carragher.
Centre-forward: Luis Díaz
Díaz could play as the central striker, leveraging his unpredictability to exploit gaps in Real’s backline. His hat-trick against Bayer Leverkusen from the number nine position highlights his abilities at the position. Díaz’s movement and directness could unsettle Real’s defensive setup and create space for others.
Left-wing: Cody Gakpo
Gakpo has enjoyed a tremendous form since last season’s March international break, providing goals and assists consistently. Although he had a quiet game against Southampton, his rested legs make him a formidable threat tonight. Gakpo’s ability to link play and finish clinically will play a pivotal role for Liverpool to expose Madrid’s wide areas
Liverpool’s lineup reflects a balance of form, versatility, and strategic adjustments against Real’s strengths. With key players stepping up in critical roles, the Reds aim to deliver a statement performance tonight. If Liverpool beat Real Madrid at Anfield, they could go into the Man City game with a huge confidence boost to secure a positive result there.