Liverpool vs Real Madrid is one of the most exciting matches on Matchday 4 of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League and will take place at Anfield on Tuesday 4 November.

The match between Liverpool and Real Madrid was full of stories. Liverpool are trying to get back on track after mixed results, while Real Madrid look dangerous and confident under Xabi Alonso this season. On paper, Madrid has the historical edge. But at Anfield, anything can happen.

Competition details

anfield
Liverpool, UK
Tuesday, November 4
20:00 (GMT)

Unstable Liverpool seeks stability against in-form Madrid

The Reds go into Liverpool’s match against Real Madrid with problems both defensively and offensively. Their form is inconsistent: they have just two wins in their past eight games.

While their victory over Aston Villa was strong, this team didn’t magnify Liverpool’s weaknesses. Their other win in those eight games was against Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League, another game where Liverpool’s weakness in long balls was not exposed.

Real Madrid, meanwhile, have been more consistent this season and Alonso’s side are in great form, having lost just once in all competitions so far.

Anfield is a fortress though. Liverpool have dominated the home group stages for years. Liverpool have won 20 of their last 22 Champions League group stage games at Anfield. This gives them hope. But Real Madrid also arrived with momentum and an attacking threat.

Across all competitions, Real Madrid have the better head-to-head record: Real Madrid have won seven, Liverpool have won three and drawn one.

Can Liverpool make up for their missing pieces?

Injury news hurt Liverpool heading into this game. Alisson Becker remains sidelined with a hamstring injury.

Jeremie Frimpong has also been ruled out with a hamstring problem and is reported to be out for another month. Alexander Isaac and Curtis Jones also remain sidelined, with both dealing with groin issues.

This forces Arne Slot to choose from a smaller pot in Liverpool’s clash with Real Madrid. The defense needs to stay strong without its core personnel, and the offense must find its edge under pressure.

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Madrid’s depth and defensive challenges

Real Madrid are not without their problems ahead of Liverpool’s game against Real Madrid. They will lose multiple defenders: Dani Carvajal (knee surgery) and Antonio Rudiger (muscle) are confirmed to be out. David Alaba is dealing with a calf problem that also rules him out of the game.

In addition to this, the absence of 18-year-old attacker Franco Mastantono due to vaginal pain is a new blow to their attacking options.

But they still have deep power. Their midfield and attack remain dangerous, with players such as Arda Guler, Vinicius Junior, Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham capable of changing games. Guler appeared to have injured his ankle and is now back and available to play.

Liverpool vs Real Madrid injury situation

Liverpool injuries: Alisson, Jeremy Frimpong, Alexander Isaac, Curtis Jones, Giovanni Leoni

real madrid injuries: Antonio Rudiger, Dani Carvajal, David Alaba, Franco Mastantono

Liverpool vs Real Madrid lineup predictions

With so many absences, Arne Slott and Xabi Alonso may be forced to make compromises. Taking all factors into account, here, we look at the predicted lineups for Liverpool vs Real Madrid:

Liverpool predicted eleven: Georgi Mamardashvili, Conor Bradley, Ibrahim Konate, Virgil van Dijk, Andy Robertson, Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenburch, Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo, Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitek

Real Madrid predicted eleven: Thibaut Courtois, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Eder Militao, Dean Hussen, Alvaro Carreras, Federico Valverde, Oriel Chuameni, Arda Guler, Vinicius Jr., Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe

main photo

Credit: IMAGO/Alberto Gardin

Recording date: November 1, 2025