3 Factors to Consider, Predicted Lineup, Injuries

Liverpool vs Real Madrid is one of the standout matches to open Matchday 4 of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League, which takes place on Tuesday, November 4 at Anfield.

The Liverpool vs Real Madrid clash is full of narrative. Liverpool are looking to get back on track after mixed results, while Real Madrid – under Xabi Alonso this season – look dangerous and confident. On paper, Madrid has a historical advantage. But at Anfield, anything can happen.

Match Details

Anfield
Liverpool, England
Tuesday, November 4
20:00 GMT

Anxious Liverpool Seek Stability Against In-form Madrid

The Reds enter the Liverpool vs Real Madrid match with questions in defense and attack. Their form has been erratic: they have only managed two wins in their last eight matches.

Even though their victory against Aston Villa was quite strong, this victory did not increase Liverpool’s weaknesses. Their only other win in those eight games was against Frankfurt in the UCL, another game where Liverpool’s vulnerability to long balls was not exposed.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid have been more consistent this season, and Alonso’s side are in fine form, with just one defeat so far in all competitions.

Anfield is a fortress. Over the years Liverpool have been outstanding in home group games. Liverpool have won 20 of their last 22 Champions League group stage games at Anfield. It gives them hope. But Madrid also came with momentum and threat of attack.

In all competitions, Real Madrid have a better head-to-head record: Madrid won seven times, Liverpool three times and one draw.

Can Liverpool Make Up for Their Missing Pieces?

Injury news hurts Liverpool ahead of this match. Alisson Becker is still out with a hamstring injury.

Jeremie Frimpong is also out with a hamstring problem, and will reportedly be out for another month. Alexander Isak and Curtis Jones are also still out, both struggling with groin problems.

This forced Arne Slot to choose a slimmer pot for the Liverpool vs Real Madrid match. The defense must stand strong without key personnel, and the offense must still find an edge under pressure.

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Madrid’s Depth and Defense Challenge

Ahead of the Liverpool vs Real Madrid match, Los Blancos are also not without problems. They will be missing several defenders: Dani Carvajal (knee surgery) and Antonio Rudiger (muscle) are ruled out. David Alaba is having a calf problem, so he is also absent.

Additionally, 18-year-old forward Franco Mastantuono has been ruled out due to pubalgia, a new blow to their attacking options.

But they still have profound strength. Their midfield and front line remain dangerous, with players like Arda Guler, Vinicius Jr, Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham capable of changing the game. Guler, who apparently had an ankle injury, has now recovered and is ready to play.

Liverpool vs Real Madrid Injuries

Liverpool Injuries: Alisson, Jeremie Frimpong, Alexander Isak, Curtis Jones, Giovanni Leoni

Real Madrid injury: Antonio Rudiger, Dani Carvajal, David Alaba, Franco Mastantuono

Liverpool vs Real Madrid Player Lineup Prediction

With so many players absent, Arne Slot and Xabi Alonso may be forced to compromise. All factors considered, here we look at the predicted line-up for Liverpool vs Real Madrid:

Liverpool predicted XI: Giorgi Mamardashvili, Conor Bradley, Ibrahim Konate, Virgil van Dijk, Andy Robertson, Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch, Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo, Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike

Real Madrid estimated XI: Thibaut Courtois, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Eder Militao, Dean Hujsen, Alvaro Carreras, Federico Valverde, Auriel Tchouameni, Arda Guler, Vinicius Jr, Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe

Main Photo

Credit: IMAGO / Alberto Gardin

Recording Date: 01.11.2025