Real Madrid returns to one of the most iconic venues in European football, Anfield, with the need to add points that will allow it to improve its position in the UEFA Champions League standings. With two defeats in four games, the whites are not only looking for victory, but also to avoid playing the first round in 2025, which would be key to lightening an already saturated calendar.
A Madrid beaten but with sprouts of hope
Despite the numerous casualties, the team led by Carlo Ancelotti arrives with optimism thanks to the flashes shown by key players in recent games. Figures like Mbappé, Bellingham, Ceballos, and the young talent Arda Güler have given reasons to believe in a positive result. Furthermore, the recent discovery of Raúl Asencio, who has successfully covered the absence of Eder Militao, has strengthened the defensive line.
The return of Thibaut Courtois will also be decisive. The Belgian goalkeeper returns after overcoming an injury and his record at Anfield inspires confidence: he was the hero in the 2022 Champions League final against Liverpool with a memorable performance. Courtois already demonstrated his importance in recent European matches against Stuttgart and Borussia Dortmund, both of which ended with victories.
The losses: a challenge for Ancelotti
The Italian coach faces important absences in his squad: Carvajal, Militao, Alaba, Tchouameni, Rodrygo and Vinicius Jr. will be out of the match. Vinicius’ loss is particularly significant, since he was key in the last visit to Anfield with a brilliant performance that tipped the balance in Madrid’s favor. On the contrary, the return of Lucas Vázquez after injury expands the options in defense, although the Galician is still not 100%.
One of the biggest unknowns for Ancelotti will be deciding between Ceballos or Arda Güler in right midfield. While Güler offers verticality and offensive dynamism, Ceballos provides control and the ability to maintain possession, something essential in a stadium like Anfield.
The possible eleven of Real Madrid
Ancelotti could opt for a flexible formation, either a 4-4-2 or a 4-5-1, depending on Brahim Díaz’s position. The possible eleven would be:
Goalie: Courtois.
Defense: Valverde as right back, Asencio and Rüdiger in the center, and Mendy on the left wing.
Midfield: Arda Güler or Ceballos, Modric, Camavinga, Bellingham.
Lead: Brahim Díaz (behind Mbappé or leaning to the right) and Mbappé as an offensive reference.
Brahim’s role will be crucial in determining the team’s scheme. If he plays as a midfielder, Madrid will have a more centralized attack, while if he plays on the wing, he will allow Bellingham more freedom to reach the area as a second striker.
The challenge of facing Liverpool at Anfield
Liverpool, always strong at home, arrive with a hostile environment for the whites. However, Real Madrid has good memories in this stadium, where they have accumulated three consecutive visits without defeat, with two wins and a draw.
The key for Madrid will be to maintain defensive balance and take advantage of quick transitions with players like Mbappé and Bellingham, who can exploit the spaces in the rival defense. In addition, Courtois will once again be essential to contain the “Reds” offensive.
Objective: add in a difficult field
Real Madrid is clear about its objective on this visit to the north of England: to win or, at least, scratch a point that allows it to continue with options to improve its classification. With a beaten team but with talent and determination, the whites will seek to leave Anfield with something positive that brings them closer to privileged positions in the Champions League.
Can Madrid maintain its good run at Anfield and add a key result to its European season? Tonight, fans will have the answer in a setting that promises maximum emotions.
