Confirmed Liverpool XI vs Real Madrid as Arne Slot Targets Another European Win | OneFootball

Slot’s Selection for Liverpool vs Real Madrid

Liverpool head into this encounter buoyed by a much-needed 2-0 win over Aston Villa, a result that halted a difficult four-game losing streak in the Premier League. That victory brought a degree of calm after a tense few weeks for Slot, who is navigating his first Champions League campaign as Liverpool manager following last season’s Premier League triumph.

Tonight’s starting XI reads: Mamardashvili, Bradley,Van Dijk, Konate, Robertson Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Wirtz,  Salah, Ekitike

It is a bold and balanced Liverpool line up, blending experience and technical precision. With Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate marshalling the defence and Mohamed Salah leading the attack, Slot will rely on his key figures to deliver under the Anfield lights once again.

Photo: IMAGO

Real Madrid’s Remarkable Form

Real Madrid, now under the guidance of former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso, have enjoyed a near-perfect start to their campaign. The Spanish side have won 13 of their 14 matches this season, including all three of their Champions League group games, and travel to Merseyside brimming with belief.

Their form has been relentless, built on a structured system and technical excellence that mirrors much of Alonso’s playing philosophy. Liverpool will be aware that Real Madrid’s consistency in Europe makes them a uniquely dangerous opponent, one capable of punishing even the smallest lapse in concentration.

Slot on Madrid’s Strength and Anfield’s Influence

Speaking ahead of the fixture, Slot offered his perspective on facing the Spanish giants once more:

“For me, it is hard to compare this game with last season. I just said it already because last season when they played here they had many injuries and now they haven’t – and they kept a lot of the team the same.

“I see a lot of similarities between last season [and this]. Xabi [Alonso] is doing an incredible job at Madrid but Carlo Ancelotti did the same; he won a lot.

“They’ve added a few new players, so that can always influence playing style maybe a little, but I saw last season a very good Real Madrid – and I see that now as well.

“They have always been a big force in this competition; I don’t know how many semi-finals or more they’ve played in the last few years.

“A very good team, but we are a very good team as well.”

Slot’s calm demeanour reflects both respect and confidence. He understands the magnitude of the task but trusts in his side’s ability to rise to the occasion.

What to Expect at Anfield Tonight

This clash promises to be a showcase of high-level tactical football. For Liverpool, maintaining compactness and composure in midfield will be key, with Mac Allister and Szoboszlai expected to dictate tempo and progression. Salah’s role remains pivotal, particularly in transition, where his pace and decision-making could exploit any gaps left by Real Madrid’s advanced full-backs.

Real Madrid, meanwhile, will look to control possession and manipulate Liverpool’s defensive structure, likely leaning on their fluid midfield to unsettle the Reds’ rhythm.

Anfield will, as always, provide a charged backdrop. The crowd’s intensity has a history of influencing European nights like this, and Slot will be counting on that familiar roar to help his side match Madrid’s rhythm and quality.

Liverpool defeated Real Madrid 2-0 in this fixture last season and will hope to repeat that feat as they look to strengthen their position in the group.