 |
| Trent Alexander-Arnold with Xabi Alonso |
The eyes of European football turn to Anfield this Tuesday night, the legendary stage set to host one of the continent's modern classics. Real Madrid, the Spanish giants, arrive as formidable guests to face Liverpool, the reigning English champions, in a showdown that transcends three mere points in the Champions League league phase. It is a journey laden with memories, a true test of the resilience of Xabi Alonso's project, and a search for footballing perfection.
The Merengues enter the match with morale soaring. A fourth consecutive victory would mean 12 points, a figure that sends a powerful message to all competitors. But the task, as everyone knows, will be no walk in Hyde Park.
The Anfield Volcano and the Reds' Resurgence
This time, the opponent is Liverpool. While it's true the Reds have suffered from inconsistent results recently, they enter the match under their ambitious new manager, Arne Slot, with renewed confidence. Their recent victory over Aston Villa wasn't just three points; it was a declaration of calm returning to the dressing room ahead of the anticipated European clash.
Slot understands that facing Real Madrid, even at Anfield, demands a perfect version of his team. But this stadium, with its storied history and magical nights, always grants its hosts a significant psychological advantage.
A Scenario of Revenge and Last Year's Memory
This confrontation carries the scent of revenge. The echo of Liverpool's (2-0) victory at this same stage last season still resonates. But the picture today is completely different. The Real Madrid of 2025 is not the team of yesterday; it is a team built on a clear philosophy under the leadership of its architect, Xabi Alonso.
The Basque coach, who has restored the team's lost offensive identity and rigorous tactical discipline, refuses to change a winning formula. After the brilliant tactical dominance in El Clásico against Barcelona (2-1) and the overwhelming attacking display against Valencia (4-0), Alonso has decided to maintain the same approach and the same names that brought him victory.
"The Sons Return": Alonso and Trent in an Emotional Showdown
The technical aspect cannot be separated from the emotional one in this match. It is, par excellence, a night of "homecoming." Xabi Alonso, one of Liverpool's legendary midfielders, returns as an opponent to the stadium that witnessed his brilliance for five years.
"My time at Liverpool influenced me a lot," Alonso admitted in the press conference. "It wasn't a meaningless step. I spent 5 years with Rafa Benítez, I learned so much about football, and it helped me to be here now."
But Alonso is not alone. The second, and perhaps more emotionally complex, return is that of Trent Alexander-Arnold. The Liverpool academy product and former fan favorite now returns wearing the white of Real Madrid. Although Alonso confirmed that Trent is "fine and available to participate" after his recovery, it's unlikely he will start. "He didn't play against Valencia because of the context of the match, but he is available... and we need him. He has enormous quality and is going through a beautiful phase, and we must help him," Alonso stated. His very presence on the bench will be a story the cameras follow.
Projected Lineup: Trust in Youth, Firepower Up Front
As reported by the Spanish newspaper "AS," Alonso will enter the "battle" with a lineup that combines experience, tactical solutions, and the audacity to rely on youth in their most significant test.
- Goalkeeper: Undisputed. The Belgian Thibaut Courtois is the fortress. The return of Andriy Lunin to the bench after suspension provides security, alongside the young Fran González.
- Defense (The Biggest Gamble): Herein lies the challenge. With Dani Carvajal absent and Alexander-Arnold not yet at full match fitness, the "unsung soldier" Federico Valverde will take on the right-back role, a position where he has proven high tactical efficiency. In central defense, the bet continues on the duo of Éder Militão and the young newcomer Dean Huijsen, who has been delivering consistent performances. On the left, Álvaro Carreras continues to secure his starting spot after his impressive displays and scoring his first goal for the Merengues against Valencia. It is a significant risk to field a relatively "new" center-back and left-back pairing at a stadium like Anfield.
- Midfield (The Engine Room): The anchor is the Frenchman Aurélien Tchouaméni, serving as a pure ball-winner. Ahead of him operates the most creative duo in Europe right now: Jude Bellingham and Arda Güler. This pair gives the team unparalleled tactical flexibility, interchanging roles between playmaking and penetrating runs to finish attacks. The box is completed by the trump card, Eduardo Camavinga, who will start as a "false" right-winger. This role, which he mastered in El Clásico, allows him to drift diagonally into the center of the pitch, opening space for Valverde and creating a numerical overload in the midfield.
- Attack (The Demolition Force): The most potent duo in the world today: Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior. The Frenchman is living through an exceptional period (18 goals in 14 matches), an relentless goal machine. The Brazilian, meanwhile, has regained his full brilliance in dribbling and making the difference, confirming Alonso's absolute faith in him despite a minor "disagreement" that was overblown by the media.
Projected Formation (Flexible 4-4-2): Courtois; Valverde, Militão, Huijsen, Carreras; Tchouaméni; Güler, Bellingham, Camavinga; Vinícius, Mbappé.
Mbappé and the Penalty Challenge
One of the most intriguing subplots is "Kylian Mbappé." The French forward missed a penalty at Anfield last season, and the English fans will not have forgotten. When Alonso was asked if there would be a change in the penalty taker, he was decisive: "We decide who takes the penalties, and it is Kylian Mbappé. Tomorrow, he will be the first taker." This statement is a massive vote of confidence from the coach to his number one star, and a psychological challenge for Mbappé to break his penalty "jinx" at this stadium.
More Than Just a Match
Facing Liverpool is one of the classics of European football.
it's a match the fans love to watch," as Alonso summarized. This isn't just about three points; it's a clash of philosophies, a test of the maturity of "Alonso's Real Madrid," and above all, a night of nostalgia and memories for a coach and a player returning to their old "home." Real Madrid wants a perfect record; Liverpool wants to prove that Anfield is still a graveyard for giants.