Liverpool face another mouth-watering date with Real Madrid in the group stage of this season’s Champions League.
The Reds blew Real away last season, comfortably dispatching them 2-0 at Anfield.
There has been plenty of water under the bridge since that clash last November, with Trent Alexander-Arnold running down his Liverpool contract and moving to Spain.
Liverpool fans were furious with Alexander-Arnold, and are no doubt looking forward to giving the right-back a less than warm reception when he returns to his former club.
Jurgen Klopp chastised supporters for booing Alexander-Arnold at the first opportunity following confirmation of his Liverpool exit in May.
However, with Klopp no longer able to defend a visiting player, former Liverpool winger Ryan Babel has shared what he hopes will happen when the Scouser returns home.
Trent Alexander-Arnold of Real Madrid during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group H match between Real Madrid CF and Al Hilal
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Ryan Babel hoping for positive Trent Alexander-Arnold reception
Given the fury the Alexander-Arnold saga was met with on Merseyside, it was inevitable that Liverpool would face Real Madrid this season.
That the game comes at Anfield makes it all the more fascinating, and will give supporters an opportunity to let Alexander-Arnold know just how disappointed they were with his actions.
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But not everyone is seemingly ready to boo and hassle the former No. 66.
Taking to X after Thursday’s draw was made, Babel said he hoped supporters would welcome Alexander-Arnold back, but also predicted the 26-year-old may not actually play.
READ MORE: Trent Alexander-Arnold set to be handed Real Madrid substitute role for ‘a long time’ after leaving Liverpool
Trent might fake an injury right before the journey to Anfield lol 🫣
Nah but in all seriousness – i hope we can welcome him back with a good reception 🫱🏽🫲🏾 #YNWA #LFC
— Ryan Babel (@Ryanbabel) August 28, 2025
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“Trent might fake an injury right before the journey to Anfield lol [sic],” wrote the former Netherlands international.
“Nah but in all seriousness – I hope we can welcome him back with a good reception.”
Eintracht Frankfurt ready to welcome back Hugo Ekitike
While Alexander-Arnold left Liverpool in difficult circumstances and, despite Babel’s wishes, will not be welcomed back to Anfield, Hugo Ekitike is set for a happy return to his own former club.
Along with Madrid, Liverpool will face Eintracht Frankfurt in this year’s group stage. With the game being played in Germany, Ekitike will make an immediate return.
And after the draw was made, Eintracht’s official X account posted a nice message for Liverpool’s No. 22.
“Heki is coming home,” said the post, featuring an image of Ekitike alongside the badges of both clubs. “See you soon,” the Frenchman replied, adding a kiss emoji for his old team.
Ekitike’s and Alexander-Arnold’s exits from their respective clubs were very different this summer, and that is why the reception each player receives is likely to be completely opposite.