Liverpool vs Real Madrid Preview

• Salah to score
• Over 2.5 goals

Liverpool host Real Madrid at Anfield in a high-stakes UEFA Champions League clash, as the Reds aim to maintain their perfect start to the league phase against their European nemesis.

Meanwhile, the reigning champions are looking to recover from an uncharacteristically shaky campaign in Europe so far.

Liverpool: Riding High Across Competitions

Liverpool enter this match in scintillating form, leading the Premier League and their UCL group, thanks to dominant performances on both fronts.

A 3-2 victory over Southampton at the weekend highlighted their attacking potency, while their defensive solidity has also been a key factor. Boasting the best defensive record in both the Premier League and UCL, Jürgen Klopp’s side have been hard to break down this season.

Despite their current form, Liverpool will need to overcome a mental block against Real Madrid, having lost seven of their last eight meetings, including two UCL finals.

This fixture presents an opportunity to rewrite history and secure a rare fifth consecutive win in a major European competition.

Real Madrid: Aiming to Find Their Groove

Real Madrid’s La Liga campaign has been near flawless, with consecutive 4-0 and 3-0 wins against Osasuna and Leganés respectively.

However, their UCL form has been surprisingly erratic, with two losses in four matches, including a 3-1 home defeat to AC Milan.

For the 14-time champions, this marks unfamiliar territory, as they risk losing three group-stage games in a single campaign for the first time ever.

Carlo Ancelotti will rely on his vast experience and incredible record against Liverpool in the UCL, having beaten them eight times in 11 encounters (D1, L2). Madrid’s pedigree and mental toughness could still prove decisive on the grand stage.

Key Players to Watch

Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)

Salah continues to deliver, scoring a brace against Southampton at the weekend to take his tally to double figures this season.

However, Real Madrid has been his kryptonite in the UCL, with the only two matches he’s lost after scoring coming against them. The Egyptian forward will be eager to reverse that trend.

Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid)

Vinícius has been a thorn in Liverpool’s side, contributing seven goals and assists in five meetings (G5, A2). His pace and creativity will be crucial for Madrid as they look to exploit Liverpool’s high line and test their robust defense.

Tactical Insights: Liverpool’s Aggression vs Madrid’s Experience

Liverpool will likely aim to dominate possession and press high up the pitch, leveraging their dynamic midfield and the lethal finishing of Salah and Darwin Núñez.

Klopp’s focus will be on neutralizing Madrid’s counterattacks, which have often been their Achilles’ heel in previous encounters.

Real Madrid, on the other hand, will look to absorb pressure and exploit Liverpool’s aggressive approach with quick transitions.

With Vinícius and Rodrygo leading their attack, Madrid could pose a significant threat on the break, while Ancelotti’s tactical acumen will be key in managing the game.

Final Thoughts

This clash brings together two of Europe’s footballing giants, each with contrasting UCL campaigns so far. For Liverpool, a win would cement their dominance in the group, while Real Madrid are under pressure to reclaim their aura of invincibility.

Will Liverpool break their Madrid curse, or will Los Blancos deliver another statement at Anfield?

For more info on this game, you may also visit:
Liverpool vs Real Madrid | UEFA Champions League 2024/25