Opponent watch: Liverpool fear key star likely to miss vital Real Madrid clash | OneFootball

Real Madrid have received encouraging news ahead of their upcoming UEFA Champions League group stage clash against Liverpool at Anfield.

According to Mundo Deportivo, the Reds’ first-choice goalkeeper, Alisson Becker, looks set to miss the highly anticipated encounter on November 4 due to injury.

According to reports, the Brazilian goalkeeper picked up a hamstring problem during Liverpool’s recent 0-1 defeat against Galatasaray.

“Alisson Becker will miss the trip to Chelsea on Saturday as Liverpool await further news on the extent of the injury he sustained against Galatasaray,” read a statement from the Premier League club.

Boost for Real Madrid

Initial medical assessments suggest that he could be ruled out until at least mid-November, meaning he would not be available to face Xabi Alonso’s side.

While further tests are still pending, the likelihood of him recovering in time is extremely slim.

For Real Madrid, who are determined to go through the group stage, this is a timely advantage.

Alisson was injured against Galatasaray. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Facing Liverpool at Anfield is always one of the toughest challenges in European football, but doing so against a side missing their world-class goalkeeper could tilt the balance in favour of Los Blancos.

Mamardashvili set for big test

Alisson’s absence opens the door for summer signing Giorgi Mamardashvili to prove himself at the highest level.

The Georgian goalkeeper, who joined Liverpool in 2024 but spent last season on loan at Valencia, is expected to step into the starting role.

He is considered a long-term option for the Reds, but he now faces the immediate challenge of filling the gloves of one of the best goalkeepers in world football.

While Mamardashvili has shown promise, his lack of Champions League experience could be an area that Real Madrid look to exploit.

Real Madrid know the atmosphere in Liverpool will be intense, but the absence of Alisson removes a major safety net for the Reds’ defence.

For Los Blancos, this could be the perfect opportunity to take full control of the group and send a strong message to the rest of Europe.