Liverpool v Real Madrid– Preview, Predictions, and Best Bets

Liverpool take on Real Madrid The Reds are the only team to have won all four of their group-stage matches this season, while Real Madrid find themselves 18th in the League Stage table after losing two of their last three European fixtures.

Liverpool Form

Liverpool are enjoying a sensational season with 10 wins in 12 league matches and a perfect record in the Champions League. After an eight-match winning streak, they earned a valuable 2-2 draw at Arsenal. Five consecutive wins have followed.

The Reds defeated Brighton 3-2 away in the Carabao Cup and secured a 2-1 league victory over the Seagulls shortly after. They hammered Bayer Leverkusen 4-0 with an impressive 3.79 xG, and before the international break, they beat Aston Villa 2-0. A dramatic 3-2 comeback win at Southampton on Sunday pushed them eight points clear at the top of the Premier League.

Liverpool Team News

Coach Arne Slot has five players unavailable for this match. Alisson Becker, Kostas Tsimikas, and Trent Alexander-Arnold are sidelined, with Conor Bradley set to deputize at right-back. Diogo Jota and Federico Chiesa are also ruled out in attack. Harvey Elliott is back in contention following a serious ankle injury. Luis Díaz and Alexis Mac Allister are expected to return to the starting XI, offering full-strength options in key areas.

Liverpool Motivation

Although Liverpool don’t necessarily need to win this match, they’ll want to put on a strong performance in front of their fans in a marquee tie.

While the Reds are unlikely to overcommit with a crucial match against Manchester City looming on Sunday, they will still attack Real Madrid and aim for victory.

Real Madrid Form

Real Madrid’s form has been patchy. In September, they conceded a late equalizer to draw 1-1 with Atletico Madrid before suffering a shock 1-0 loss to Lille in the Champions League.

After back-to-back La Liga wins, Los Blancos thrashed Borussia Dortmund 5-2 at home, scoring three late goals from 26 shots and 3.55 xG. However, dire results followed: a 4-0 home thrashing by Barcelona in La Liga and a 3-1 defeat to AC Milan, leaving them in a precarious position in Europe.

Since the FIFA break, Madrid have improved with a 4-0 home win over Osasuna and a 3-0 victory at Leganes on Sunday.

Real Madrid Team News

Carlo Ancelotti faces significant selection challenges for this match. Dani Carvajal and Éder Militão are out for the season, while David Alaba is not yet ready to return. Aurelien Tchouaméni is also sidelined, leaving gaps in defensive midfield and at center-back. Youngster Raúl Asencio may get another start, while Francisco García is expected to start over Ferland Mendy at left-back. Vinícius Júnior is ruled out, but Rodrygo has returned to training and could feature. Lucas Vázquez is likely to start at right-back.

Real Madrid Motivation

Real Madrid are in a precarious position in the Champions League and cannot afford to lose this match. They will aim to take at least a point from Anfield to keep their European hopes alive.

Expect Los Blancos to focus on defensive organization and rely on quick counter-attacks. Their weekend trip to Getafe is unlikely to distract from fielding their strongest XI.

Key Stats

Liverpool have scored 2+ goals in their last six home Champions League matches.

Liverpool have won 16 of their 18 matches this season, scoring 42 goals.

Liverpool have failed to beat Real Madrid in their last eight matches (7 losses, 1 draw).

Real Madrid have lost 2 of their last 3 Champions League matches but had just 1 loss in 21 matches before that.

Real Madrid have conceded in 9 of their last 10 Champions League matches.

Verdict

While Real Madrid have a strong record against Liverpool, their defensive injuries make it hard to see them securing a positive result at Anfield. Liverpool’s strong form and home advantage tip the balance in their favour.