Liverpool vs Real Madrid LIVE: Champions League team news and confirmed line-up ahead of Anfield blockbuster
Real Madrid are desperate for a win to boost their Champions League hopes will Liverpool look to extend their perfect start
Liverpool host Real Madrid in a Champions League blockbuster under the lights at Anfield.
The Reds are the only team in the competition still with a 100 per cent record and can take a big step towards booking a place in the top eight with victory against the holders.
European champions Madrid could be vulnerable, with Carlo Ancelotti’s side losing two of their first four fixtures of the league phase and struggling for form since the signing of superstar Kylian Mbappe.
The visitors will be without Ballon d’Or runner-up Vinicius Jr while Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah returns to the spotlight after his explosive comments about his ongoing contract situation on Sunday.
It’s another huge game for boss Arne Slot, with Liverpool also hosting Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday with the chance to go 11 points clear of Pep Guardiola’s team.
Follow live updates from Liverpool vs Real Madrid in the Champions League, below
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Liverpool face rare chance for Arne Slot to surpass Jurgen Klopp
Kylian Mbappe shows shift in strategy to leave Real Madrid in uncharted territory
Why Mohamed Salah is the exception to the rule in Liverpool’s contract dilemma
Team news! Liverpool team to play Real Madrid
Liverpool XI: Kelleher; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Jones, Mac Allister; Salah, Nunez, Diaz
15 years ago: Liverpool’s last win over Real Madrid
Given Liverpool and Real Madrid are two of Europe’s grandest clubs, you would think they played each other more often that their one meeting in the 20th century. That was in the 1981 European Cup final in Paris, where Liverpool won their third title thanks to Alan Kennedy’s only goal.
Their next clash came in 2009, when Liverpool beat Real Madrid 1-0 in the Bernanbeu before thrashing Los Blancos 4-0 at Anfield in the last-16 of the Champions League.
With an opening goal from Fernando Torres, two from Steven Gerrard and an unlikely fourth from Andrea Dossena, it’s also the last time Liverpool beat tonight’s opponents - despite facing them on eight more occasions.
But that night, on 10 March 2009, remains one of Liverpool’s finest nights in Europe, and perhaps one of Gerrard’s best-ever games for the Reds.
Jude Bellingham hits out at English media for hounding family during Euros
Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham believes he was made a scapegoat for England’s Euro 2024 shortcomings.
Gareth Southgate’s side lost in the final to Spain and Bellingham finished the tournament with two goals and one assist in seven appearances.
However, the 21-year-old felt England’s failure was pinned more on him than anyone else and it took him several months to get over that.
After helping the national team qualify for the Nations League under interim boss Lee Carsley, Bellingham posted on Instagram earlier this month he had “got his smile back”.
Jude Bellingham hits out at English media for hounding family during Euros
Bellingham believes he was harshly criticised as England reached the final before losing to Spain
Jude Bellingham brushes off Trent Alexander-Arnold interest
Real midfielder Jude Bellingham is good friends with Alexander-Arnold from their time together with England, and was asked whether he would be playing with the defender next season.
“I’ll be playing alongside him next season for England anyway. That will be a guarantee,” Bellingham said.
“But he’s a Liverpool player and it would be disrespectful to come to his home today with a big game tomorrow and talk about something that could be misconstrued so it’s important to take that pressure off him.
“He is a really good mate of mine and I want him to do really well, just not tomorrow night. We will see what happens but he is a Liverpool player.”
Carlo Ancelotti on Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Real Madrid links
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti refused to be drawn on speculation linking the club with a move for Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold.
The England right-back is out of contract in the summer and speculation persists over a move to the Bernabeu.
Real currently have an issue at right-back with Dani Carvajal ruled out for the season after an ACL injury, only intensifying the Alexander-Arnold talk.
However, Ancelotti refused to be drawn on any potential interest in the 26-year-old.
“I am sorry I cannot think about Alexander-Arnold, he is not my player,” was all the former Everton boss would say ahead of their Champions League clash at Anfield.
“I consider, as usual, Liverpool with a lot of respect - a fantastic club, fantastic supporters - but I’m still an Evertonian.”
Team news! Real Madrid line-up announced
A makeshift line-up for Real Madrid, to say the least, with Carlo Ancelotti not just missing Vincius Jr but Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao, Aurelien Tchouameni and Rodrygo as well.
Antonio Rudiger and Ferland Mendy are the only two regular starters available in defence, as Fede Valverde continues at right-back with academy prospect Raul Asensio at centre-back.
Kylian Mbappe and Brahim Diaz lead the attack, which will be supported by Jude Bellingham. Luka Modric and Eduardo Camavinga are joined in midfield by Arda Guler.
Team news! Real Madrid line-up announced
TEAM NEWS! As usual, Real Madrid have announced their team early. Here’s the starting line-up:
Real Madrid XI: Courtois; Valverde, Asencio, Rudiger, Mendy; Camavinga, Modric, Guler; Bellingham; Mbappe, Brahim
📋✅ ¡Nuestro XI inicial!
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) November 27, 2024
🆚 @LFC#UCL pic.twitter.com/woeKqVYQ9N
Liverpool are in control but eight-point gap isn’t even Man City’s biggest problem
Will Liverpool’s position in the Premier League - and Sunday’s crunch match against champions Manchester City - distract the Reds from their Champions League campaign ahead of facing Real Madrid tonight?
Karl Matchett has analysed Liverpool’s start, and what it would mean for Arne Slot’s side to go 11 points clear...
Liverpool in control but 8-point gap isn’t even Man City’s biggest problem
The Reds face Man City next with Pep’s team losing their last three in the Premier League
Why Mohamed Salah is the exception to the rule in Liverpool’s contract dilemma
As clear and emphatic as Mohamed Salah’s words on Sunday were, something was still left unsaid. The lack of an offer doesn’t mean the lack of talks.
And that is where there is much more nuance and uncertainty than in the simple words: “I haven’t received an offer.”
Those within Liverpool insist that contact with the player’s agent is ongoing and has been positive. Some close to the situation similarly interpret Salah’s words, and the timing, as trying to force the club’s hand.
By Miguel Delaney
Why Salah is the exception to the rule in Liverpool’s contract dilemma
The Egyptian forward scored twice in the Reds’ win over Southampton before revealing he is still no closer to extending his Anfield stay beyond this season
Mohamed Salah ‘not distracted at all’ by Liverpool contract talks
More from Arne Slot on Mohamed Salah, who has scored 12 goals in all competitions for Liverpool this season.
“I don’t think Mo is distracted at all. I didn’t see that after the [Manchester] United game where he had some comments. He just kept on scoring. He is fully focused on the game. If you would have been at the Axa [training ground] today, I don’t think any player talked about it, at least when I was there. I don’t think there is any distraction for him or the players.”
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