Liverpool vs. Real Madrid preview, prediction, team news and head-to-head

Xabi Alonso featured for both teams as a player, and now he returns to the stadium he once lit up, but this time, to further break their spirits.

Liverpool had some joy restored with a 2-0 win over Aston Villa in the Premier League on Saturday. Prior to that, the Reds had lost six of their lasgt seven competitive matches, including a 1-0 defeat at Galatasaray in their last UCL outing.

The hosts will hope they can record consecutive wins and maintain their winning streak at home in this competition. The English side have won 15 successive UCL group/league phase games at Anfield, netting at least two goals in 14 of those matches.

They have also won five successive European group/league phase games against Spanish teams, with Atlético Madrid already falling victim this season.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid are having a flying start to the campaign, current sitting top of La Liga.

Los Blancos have also won all three matches in the UCL this season, and they will be looking for anwin that could take them top of the league phase.

Don't forget to check out our daily betting tips on BET OF THE DAY

This encounter marks the 13th meeting between the two sides, three of which were European Cup or Champions League finals. 

Liverpool have managed only four wins in the head-to-head record (D1, L7), each achieved without conceding. 

Meanwhile, Real Madrid have won just two of their last nine clashes against English opposition (D3, L4).

Alexander Isak and Curtis Jones are set to miss out, with manager Arne Slot giving them a tiny chance of featuring. 

Alisson Becker, Giovanni Leoni, and Jeremie Frimpong are already ruled out through injury.

Madrid travel to Anfield without top defenders Dani Carvajal (knee), Antonio Rüdiger (muscle), and David Alaba (calf). Of the three, only Alaba holds a slim possibility of returning in time for Tuesday’s clash.

Liverpool: Mamardashvili; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Gakpo; Ekitike

Real Madrid: Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Militao, Huijsen, Carreras; Valverde, Tchouameni; Guler, Bellingham, Vinicius Jr; Mbappe

Liverpool’s attacking intensity at Anfield should make this another thrilling European clash, but Real Madrid’s experience and composure on big nights will also play a big role. 

With both sides missing key defenders, goals seem inevitable. Expect a tight contest, but Madrid’s counter-attacking quality could see them edge a narrow, hard-fought win in the closing stages.

Correct score prediction: Liverpool 1-2 Real Madrid

You can play this bet on LiveScore Bet.

Betting tips:

• Both teams to score (Yes)

• Bet on over 2.5 goals

• Over 8.5 corners