This match will mark Trent Alexander-Arnold's first return to Anfield since leaving Liverpool to join Real Madrid in the summer of 2025, a decision that has taken the Kop fan community by storm. From the "Merseyside son" to the Real shirt player, this transfer process has left many unhealed wounds in the hearts of fans.
Before the match, the English defender had a long interview with Amazon Prime, talking about the feeling of returning to his former home, the atmosphere he would face and whether there would be celebrations if he scored or not. Trent's choice to speak directly, without avoiding it, increases waiting and curiosity.
Trent is not the only face Real have been involved with Liverpool. Xabi Alonso - a midfield legend, who was Liverpool's heart when Rafael Benitez returned to lead Real Madrid as head coach. Last season, Alonso faced Liverpool while at Bayer Leverkusen but Anfield will bring a completely different feel. With his legendary position, the Spanish coach will certainly be warmly welcomed, but that does not reduce the heat of the tactical battle between him and Arne Slot.
Liverpool must not lose
Liverpool currently have 6 points after 3 group stage matches. In the context of the Champions League changing format, being in the Top 8 to win a direct ticket to the knockout round becomes extremely important. Last season's statistics showed that teams need 16 points to be in this group. If Liverpool lose to Real Madrid, they will only have a maximum of 18 points, meaning they must win at least the next 4 matches against PSV, Inter Milan, Marseille and Qarabag to ensure their progress.
This is not just an honor match, it is a vital match. Slot and Liverpool clearly knew that another defeat would put them in a suffocating chase.
Arne Slot's personnel problem
Last weekend's victory over Aston Villa in the Premier League helped Liverpool relieve pressure after a series of disappointing matches. Arne Slot returned to the formula that helped him overcome Real Madrid last season with high intensity, quickly changing state and proactively pressing the field. The question is whether he will continue to keep that framework for the Anfield war or will there be unpredictable breakthroughs?
The fitness of Alexander Isak and Curtis Jones is still a big question mark. If they cannot play, the tactical problem will be more complicated. In the match against Villa, Slot gave Andy Robertson his first Premier League start and was effective. Meanwhile, other contested positions such as Bradley, Mac Allister and Salah also had quite good matches last weekend.
coverage test
Arne Slot's Liverpool are in the transition period when they are strong in ideas but not really stable in performance. The Champions League is a playground for winning DNA and Real Madrid always show that most clearly. This will be Arne Slot's first big test in the European arena in the task of bringing Liverpool back to a competitive position.
Real Madrid entered the match with a thirst to repay last season's failure. Liverpool entered the match with the pressure to prove themselves to have changed, not just a team that was lucky by the moment.
Anfield is where all emotions are amplified
When the lights at Anfield lit up, the song "You'll never Walk alone" rang out, it was not just 90 minutes of football. It is an oath of honor, a memory and a self-respect of the "Red Brigade".
Trent Alexander-Arnold returned in white while Xabi Alonso stood in the opposite technical area. Liverpool fought for points and survived, while Real Madrid played to affirm their mettle.
