Liverpool vs Real Madrid: UEFA Champions League Preview
One of European football’s greatest rivalries returns to Anfield on November 4, 2025, as Liverpool and Real Madrid lock horns in the UEFA Champions League League Phase. This eagerly anticipated encounter promises to be a thrilling spectacle, with both clubs representing some of the finest European traditions in football. The fixture carries added intrigue with Trent Alexander-Arnold’s return to his boyhood club as a Real Madrid player, just months after completing his summer transfer to the Spanish capital.
Liverpool currently sit in the Champions League standings with 2 wins, 0 draws, and 1 loss from their first three matches, earning 6 points, while Real Madrid remain unbeaten with 3 wins from 3 matches, accumulating 9 points. The contrast in their recent form and standings positions sets up a fascinating battle for early supremacy in this year’s competition.
Match Details and Venue Information
Date: Tuesday, November 4, 2025
Kick-Off Time: 8:00 PM (UK Time)
Venue: Anfield, Liverpool, England
Competition: UEFA Champions League 2025-26 League Phase
Match Day: Matchday 4
Anfield has been a fortress for Liverpool, and the atmosphere at the Merseyside ground has historically been intimidating for visiting teams. However, Real Madrid have scored 8 goals and conceded just 1 goal in their first three Champions League matches, demonstrating their exceptional form and defensive prowess this season.
Head-to-Head Records and Historical Context
The history between Liverpool and Real Madrid represents one of European football’s most compelling narratives. Real Madrid hold 7 wins against Liverpool’s 4 wins, with 1 draw across their head-to-head meetings in the Champions League. This advantage showcases the Spanish club’s superiority in their direct encounters over recent years.
Historic Context:
- Before Liverpool’s recent 2-0 victory in 2024-25, Real Madrid had prevailed in seven of eight successive meetings with Liverpool
- The rivalry has produced memorable encounters across multiple decades, from the 1980-81 European Cup final to recent quarter-finals and knockout stage battles
- Liverpool’s recent success against Real Madrid marks a significant breakthrough, ending a long period of Real Madrid dominance in their rivalry
Both clubs have a combined 21 Champions League titles between them, making this a contest between European royalty. The psychological advantage from their previous meeting could provide Liverpool with confidence, though Real Madrid’s overall record suggests they remain favorites in head-to-head encounters.
Injury Updates and Squad News
Liverpool Team News
Liverpool face significant injury concerns ahead of the Real Madrid clash, with several key players sidelined. Giovanni Leoni is unavailable due to a cruciate ligament tear, Alexander Isak is dealing with adductor pain, Ryan Gravenberch is struggling with an ankle injury, Jeremie Frimpong has a hamstring injury, Stefan Bajcetic is also dealing with a hamstring problem, and goalkeeper Alisson faces a hamstring injury.
These absences present a considerable challenge for manager Arne Slot, particularly in midfield where Gravenberch is a key playmaker. The defensive uncertainty with Alisson out raises questions about Liverpool’s goalkeeper situation and the backline’s organization.
Real Madrid Team News
Real Madrid have fewer injury concerns compared to Liverpool, with Antonio Rüdiger dealing with a hamstring injury and Daniel Carvajal sidelined with a knee injury. This suggests that Xabi Alonso’s side will have a relatively full squad available for selection, allowing him greater flexibility in tactical arrangements.
The availability of attacking players like Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, and Jude Bellingham for Real Madrid represents a significant advantage heading into this encounter.
Probable Playing XI
Liverpool Probable Formation: 4-2-3-1
Expected Lineup:
- Goalkeeper: Giorgi Mamardashvili
- Defenders: Andrew Robertson, Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, M Kerkez
- Midfielders: Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai
- Forwards: Mohamed Salah, Florian Wirtz, Cody Gakpo
- Striker : Alexander Isak
Liverpool will likely maintain their familiar 4-2-3-1 formation, which Arne Slot is using this season after addition of some key players. The absence of Gravenberch may necessitate adjustments to the midfield three, potentially featuring Mac Allister as the holding midfielder.
Real Madrid Probable Formation: 4-2-3-1
Expected Lineup:
- Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois
- Defenders: Ferland Mendy, Eder Militao, Dean Huijsen, Trent Alexander-Arnold
- Midfielders: Aurélien Tchouaméni, Federico Valverde
- Attacking Midfielders/Wingers: Vinícius Júnior, Jude Bellingham, Arda Güler
- Forward: Kylian Mbappé
Real Madrid’s lineup features several newcomers, with Trent Alexander-Arnold making his return to England as a Real Madrid player. Xabi Alonso’s preference for a 4-2-3-1 formation provides a solid defensive foundation while allowing attacking flair through multiple channels.
Recent Form Analysis
Liverpool Current Form
Liverpool have accumulated 6 points from their first three UEFA Champions League matches this season, with 8 goals scored and 4 goals conceded. In domestic competition, Liverpool currently possess excellent form in the Premier League with 5 wins and 1 loss, placing them among the top teams in the English top flight.
However, recent form has shown inconsistency, with Liverpool requiring late winners in several matches. The team’s midfield has faced organizational challenges without key players, and defensive vulnerabilities have been exposed in recent weeks. Their offensive capabilities remain intact with Mohamed Salah continuing his impressive form.
Real Madrid Current Form
Real Madrid have registered 3 wins from their first three UEFA Champions League matches, accumulating 9 points and maintaining an impressive goal difference with 8 goals scored and only 1 goal conceded. In La Liga, Real Madrid demonstrate excellent form with 9 wins and 1 loss, placing them at the top of the Spanish top division.
Real Madrid’s consistency this season is remarkable. Recent victories include a 2-1 win over Barcelona at the Bernabéu, a 1-0 victory at Getafe, and dominant performances in their Champions League campaign. Their defensive solidity combined with attacking threat from players like Mbappé and Vinícius makes them formidable opposition.
UEFA Champions League Standings
Current League Phase Table (As of November 3, 2025)
Real Madrid:
- Position: 2nd (approximately)
- Matches Played: 3
- Wins: 3
- Draws: 0
- Losses: 0
- Goals For: 8
- Goals Against: 1
- Goal Difference: +7
- Points: 9
Liverpool:
- Position: Lower (varies)
- Matches Played: 3
- Wins: 2
- Draws: 0
- Losses: 1
- Goals For: 8
- Goals Against: 4
- Goal Difference: +4
- Points: 6
The new UEFA Champions League format sees teams compete in an eight-game league phase, with the top eight qualifying automatically for the last 16. Both Liverpool and Real Madrid will be aiming to maintain their strong positions and accumulate maximum points before the competition enters its knockout stages.
Key Players to Watch
Liverpool
Mohamed Salah: The Egyptian winger has been instrumental in Liverpool’s attacking play. His ability to penetrate defenses and create goal-scoring opportunities will be crucial against Real Madrid’s typically solid backline.
Virgil van Dijk: The Liverpool captain’s defensive leadership and aerial dominance could be vital in neutralizing Real Madrid’s attacking threats, particularly during set-piece situations.
Alexander Isak : The striker’s physical presence and off-the-ball movement make him a consistent threat that Real Madrid’s defense must respect.
Real Madrid
Kylian Mbappé: Mbappé is Real Madrid’s leading scorer with 11 goals this season, demonstrating his incredible form. His pace and finishing ability pose significant dangers to Liverpool’s defensive line.
Vinícius Júnior: Vinícius has contributed 5 goals and 4 assists for Real Madrid this season, showcasing his dual threat as both a creator and finisher.
Trent Alexander-Arnold: The English fullback’s return to Anfield as a Real Madrid player adds a fascinating subplot to the encounter. His quality on the ball could prove decisive in Real Madrid’s attacking transitions.
Match Prediction and Analysis
This encounter represents a fascinating clash between contrasting forms and tactical philosophies. Real Madrid’s perfect Champions League record and superior goal difference suggest they enter as favorites. However, Liverpool’s home advantage at Anfield, combined with their recent domestic success, indicates the Merseyside club will provide stern resistance.
The absence of key Liverpool players through injury presents Real Madrid with an opportunity to claim a potentially decisive victory. However, Liverpool’s experience in major European encounters and their ability to perform at Anfield could make this a closely contested affair.
Expected Result: A competitive match that could go either way, with both teams capable of winning. Given Real Madrid’s form and Liverpool’s injury concerns, Real Madrid may edge this encounter, though a Liverpool home victory remains entirely possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What time does Liverpool vs Real Madrid kick off? A: The match kicks off at 8:00 PM (UK Time) on November 4, 2025, at Anfield.
Q: Where can I watch the match? A: The match will be broadcast on various sports networks depending on your location, including coverage available through Paramount+ and other official broadcasting partners for Champions League matches.
Q: What is the head-to-head record between Liverpool and Real Madrid? A: Real Madrid hold a dominant record with 7 wins compared to Liverpool’s 4 wins, with 1 draw in their Champions League meetings.
Q: Is Trent Alexander-Arnold playing in this match? A: Yes, Trent Alexander-Arnold will return to Anfield as a Real Madrid player, adding an intriguing narrative to the fixture.
Q: Which team is favored to win? A: Real Madrid enter as slight favorites based on their superior Champions League form this season, though Liverpool’s home advantage and experience make them competitive contenders.
Q: What are Liverpool’s injury concerns? A: Liverpool face multiple injury issues including Giovanni Leoni (cruciate ligament tear), Ryan Gravenberch (ankle), Alisson (hamstring), Jeremie Frimpong (hamstring), and Stefan Bajcetic (hamstring).
Q: How has Real Madrid performed under Xabi Alonso? A: Xabi Alonso’s Real Madrid have shown impressive form, winning 3 from 3 Champions League matches and leading La Liga with 9 wins and only 1 loss.
Q: Is this match crucial for the Champions League standings? A: Yes, this fixture is important for positioning within the league phase, as both teams aim to secure points toward qualifying for the knockout stages.
Q: Will the new Champions League format affect this match? A: The league phase format means this match carries significant weight, as teams need to accumulate points across eight matches before the knockout stage begins.
Q: What should Liverpool do tactically to compete? A: Liverpool should focus on controlling midfield possession, limiting Real Madrid’s attacking transitions, and capitalizing on their home advantage to create scoring opportunities through their attacking talents.
Conclusion
The Liverpool vs Real Madrid fixture on November 4, 2025, promises to be a captivating encounter between two of European football’s elite institutions. Real Madrid’s exceptional form and minimal injury concerns position them as slight favorites, while Liverpool’s home advantage, European pedigree, and recent domestic success suggest they remain capable of producing a memorable performance.
This match exemplifies the quality and drama that the UEFA Champions League consistently delivers. Fans worldwide will be watching as these two giants compete for valuable points in the quest for European glory. With both teams possessing world-class talent and proven European experience, this encounter is certain to provide entertainment and intrigue for football enthusiasts everywhere.
