Liverpool and Real Madrid are set to rekindle one of football’s biggest rivalries in their upcoming Champions League game next Wednesday.
The fixture is steeped in history, the teams are dotted with superstars. Here’s what to expect as the two giants collide.
Historical context
The roots of this rivalry stretch back to the 1980/81 European Cup Final, where Liverpool secured a famous 1-0 victory in Paris.
Remarkably, this remains the last European Cup final that Real Madrid has lost, as they went on to win the next eight finals they played.
Across all competitions, Real Madrid leads the head-to-head record with 17 goals to Liverpool’s nine, and seven wins to three.
Their clashes include three Champions League finals, with Real triumphing in 2018 and 2022, while Liverpool’s victory in 1981 remains iconic.
Form guide
Luis Díaz has been the Reds’ standout performer in the Champions League this season, scoring all three of his goals in a scintillating performance against Bayer Leverkusen.
On the other side, Vinicius Jr. has been Real Madrid’s most prolific player, netting four goals, including a hat-trick against Dortmund and a ‘Panenka’ penalty versus Milan in their previous game.
A big criticism pointed toward Real this season is they seem to have lost their drive, they have been outrun by nearly every team they have played this season. Liverpool being such a hard working team does not play well for Ancelotti’s men. Seven of the top 10 players with most distance covered in the Champions League.
In terms of goal scoring, Los Blancs seem somewhat reliant on Vini Jr and Mbappe, whereas Liverpool’s goals are spread out a bit more among the squad. Having four of their attackers above four goals each, and two of them above 10.
Shared history
A number of illustrious players have worn both shirts, including Xabi Alonso, Steve McManaman, Michael Owen, Alvaro Arbeloa, Jerzy Dudek, Fernando Morientes, and Nuri Şahin. These shared connections only add to the depth of this rivalry.
Managers’ records
Former Everton Manager Carlo Ancelotti brings a wealth of experience to this fixture, having faced Liverpool 19 times across his career, winning 11, drawing three, and losing five.
In contrast, Liverpool’s manager, Arne Slot will face Real Madrid for the first time, bringing new ideas to the table as his Reds look to find their first win in the fixture since 2008.
Players to watch
- Kylian Mbappé: Donning Real Madrid’s iconic No. 9 jersey, Mbappé has had a slow start to life in Spain but remains a player for the big occasion. Historically, Madrid’s No. 9s have excelled against English teams, scoring 11 goals in the past decade. Mbappé will look to continue this hot streak, also scoring in his last visit to Anfield.
- Cody Gakpo: Being such a direct winger with six goals to his name this season, Gakpo will be up against Valverde in the right back position, a place the Uruguayan is not at all comfortable in. Although his last playing right-back was also in Anfield in 2021, his inexperience will be something the Dutch winger can exploit to help create chances down Real’s right flank for himself and for the others.
Predicted line-ups
Injury list
The Red’s will be without some key men against Real, Including Jota, Alexander Arnold, Allison, Harvey Elliot and Chiesa. Whereas Los Blancos will be without Tchouameni, Rodrygo, Carvajal, Militiao, Lucas Vazquez, and David Alaba.
Despite the absences, two fantastic XIs will take the pitch on Wednesday as it promises to be another European classic between two of the most iconic Champions League Clubs.
Kick-off at Anfield is at 8pm.
