The highly anticipated match arrives at a difficult time for Liverpool.
When the Champions League group stage draw was made, it seemed inevitable that Trent Alexander-Arnold would return to Anfield with Real Madrid. However, the exact circumstances of the match remained unknown. Real Madrid, having experienced a 2-0 defeat on Merseyside last November, is well aware of the challenge that lies ahead.
Despite this, the visiting team enters Tuesday's game as the favorite thanks to its impressive form and Liverpool's recent shaky performances. Arne Slot's players managed to halt a streak of four consecutive Premier League losses with a 2-0 victory over Aston Villa on Saturday and delivered a resounding 5-1 win against Eintracht Frankfurt in their last Champions League match.
However, their vulnerabilities are still evident. So, will Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe add to Liverpool's woes? Or can Slot and his squad build on their victory over Villa with a standout performance against Real Madrid? Our writers have shared their thoughts.
Sam Meade
After their victory over Aston Villa at the weekend, it's too soon to say whether the Reds have truly turned a corner. The Spanish team presents a formidable challenge, having won 10 out of its last 11 La Liga matches and often showing its best form in the Champions League.
Madrid has been victorious in all three of its European matches so far and is set to return to Anfield with a few intriguing narratives. Madrid suffered defeat at Liverpool last season, but now the team is back with Xabi Alonso at the helm and, most notably, Alexander-Arnold among its ranks.
Mohamed Salah will be a key player for Liverpool
Mohamed Salah will be a key player for Liverpool (Image: Getty Images)
Liverpool, too, has often excelled on the European stage, but the team's aura has taken a significant hit as it grapples to find a winning strategy. In contrast, Madrid seems to be hitting its stride, with Mbappe showcasing some exceptional form.
This match has all the makings of an ideal away day job in the Champions League, capitalizing on a team struggling to break free from a slump, with some ex-Liverpool stars potentially relishing their homecoming.
Liverpool 0-1 Real Madrid
James Whaling
The Reds appeared to have turned a corner after defeating Aston Villa following a dismal run of results, at least on the domestic front. However, they're fresh off a comfortable victory over Eintracht Frankfurt in their previous European match, and we're well aware of the magic they can produce on big Champions League nights at Anfield.
This is undoubtedly one of those nights. The return of Alexander-Arnold adds an extra layer of intrigue to the proceedings, especially if he's included in the starting line-up. But Liverpool is up against the European powerhouse that is Madrid, and it won't be an easy evening.
There remain concerns about Liverpool's defence, and players like Vinicius Jr. and Kylian Mbappe will be eager to exploit this. However, I believe Liverpool will manage to salvage something from the match.
Liverpool 1-1 Real Madrid
Felix Keith
I'm fully embracing the "Anfield under the lights on a European night magic" narrative and, after being quite impressed with how the team handled Villa on Sunday, I'm backing Liverpool to etch another memorable victory into the history books.
This should be a captivating spectacle - and in my view, there's no chance that Liverpool can maintain a clean sheet. Vinicius and Mbappe are bound to challenge Liverpool's incredibly shaky defence.
However, the Reds demonstrated in their last Champions League match against Frankfurt, where they netted five goals, that they have plenty of attacking options.
Mohamed Salah has found the back of the net in his last two matches, Cody Gakpo is an underrated menace from the other wing, and Hugo Ekitike appears threatening every time I've seen him play this season. I'm predicting a thrilling end-to-end match, decided by a dramatic set piece toward the end. Cue pandemonium at Anfield.
Liverpool 3-2 Real Madrid
Tom Victor
Liverpool seemed slightly improved against Aston Villa, but still appears susceptible against a team of Real Madrid's calibre. Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate have looked shaky, and an opposition attack with speed and cunning can exploit this.
Arne Slot's team hasn't struggled to find the back of the net this season, and we can largely disregard the club's exit with a heavily rotated team. Madrid has proven difficult to penetrate in Europe, but it has shown vulnerabilities in its league performances at times, which players like Salah and Ekitike could exploit.
As has often been the case this term, it's a matter of who can score more - a shift from last year when Liverpool was defensively solid. Despite Slot showcasing his European expertise, his team might just fall short this time around.
Liverpool 1-2 Real Madrid
Daniel Orme
Despite their recent results, the Reds remain an extraordinarily skilled team, so this won't be an easy victory. They have a squad capable of going head-to-head with the Spanish team and possess enough attacking firepower to genuinely concern Xabi Alonso's side.
The only issue is that Liverpool is arguably facing the best team in Europe at the moment. Madrid has lost just one league match all season, netting 26 goals in the process.
It's hard to envision the Reds keeping Madrid at bay, given the defensive weaknesses they seem to have developed this season. Of course, there will be the underlying narrative of Vinicius's disagreement with boss Alonso, but it wouldn't be surprising to see him score at Anfield - while Mbappe should be a safe bet to continue his excellent form on Merseyside.
Liverpool 1-2 Real Madrid