Liverpool vs Real Madrid – Combined XI ahead of UCL clash | OneFootball

Liverpool face Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League tonight, a blockbuster clash between two of the tournament giants.

The two teams have met in three previous finals, and boast a staggering 20 European Cup/Champions League crowns between them. As ever, each will be looking to go deep into the tournament.

Ahead of their Anfield showdown, we’ve picked our Liverpool and Real Madrid Combined XI.

Liverpool vs Real Madrid – Combined XI

Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois – Real Madrid

Alisson’s absence through injury denies us a battle between arguably the two best goalkeepers in the game.

Thibaut Courtois commands a place in our combined side, with the big Belgian a colossal presence. Liverpool know that better than most, after an iconic individual performance in the 2022 Champions League final between the teams.

Right-back: Trent Alexander-Arnold – Real Madrid

For the first time, Trent Alexander-Arnold returns to Liverpool as an opposition player. His time in Spain is yet to truly get going due to injuries, but there’s a reason Real Madrid lured a ‘Galactico’ right-back to La Liga. Liverpool have missed his playmaking this season.

Centre-back: Eder Militao – Real Madrid

Eder Militao is back like he’s never been away. After an arduous recovery from consecutive ACL injuries, the Brazilian has re-cemented his place as one of La Liga’s top defenders. He’s been a key figure in Real Madrid’s march to the top of the table.

Centre-back: Virgil van Dijk – Liverpool

The Liverpool captain has faced criticism in recent weeks but remains crucial to the Reds’ rearguard. A domineering presence in the air and across the ground, his individual duel with Kylian Mbappe could decide the game.

Left-back: Alvaro Carreras – Real Madrid

A real positive of the season so far. The academy graduate returned to the club in the summer, having shone at Benfica. He’s played more minutes (981) than any other outfield player for Real Madrid this season and netted his first goal with a stunner against Valencia at the weekend.

Midfield: Ryan Gravenberch – Liverpool

Ryan Gravenberch underlined his importance to the Liverpool side upon his return from injury at the weekend. The Dutchman is a delight to watch, with evasive dribbling, physical presence and duel-winning. He’s emerged as one of Europe’s best sixes under Arne Slot.

Midfield: Dominik Szoboszlai – Liverpool

Liverpool’s standout during the season so far. Szoboszlai’s energy is infectious for the Reds, though the Hungarian combines work-rate with high-quality technical actions.

He’s been asked to perform various roles this season and has shone in all of them. A manager’s dream.

Midfield: Jude Bellingham – Real Madrid

Real Madrid beat Liverpool in the race to sign Jude Bellingham in 2023, and have reaped the rewards since. The England midfielder has made a huge impact at the Bernabeu. His debut season ended with a La Liga and Champions League double, alongside the Player of the Season award in Spain.

A big personality and big-game player, he again showed an ability to come up clutch with another El Clásico winner last month.

Right-wing: Mohamed Salah – Liverpool

It’s a sign of Mohamed Salah’s consistency that a return of four goals and two assists in 10 games has been dubbed a decline.

The Egyptian King passed 250 goals for the Reds at the weekend, becoming just the third footballer to have achieved that feat. He’ll be the man Real Madrid fear most at Anfield.

Left-wing: Vinicius Junior – Real Madrid

When Vinicius Junior isn’t throwing tantrums about the Ballon d’Or or substitutions, the Brazilian is a remarkable footballer.

Five goals and four assists in nine league starts this season. No shortage of full-backs troubled. He’s also got five goals in five previous appearances against tonight’s opponents…

Forward: Kylian Mbappe – Real Madrid

The best footballer on the planet right now? Potentially. There are certainly few as capable of exploding a game wide open like Mbappe.

After European Golden Shoe success last season, Mbappe’s hit 18 goals in 14 games so far this season. He’s determined to get his hands on the Champions League in 2026.

Read – Alexander-Arnold says Anfield boos won’t change Liverpool ‘love’

See more – Five of the best games between Liverpool and Real Madrid

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