Real Madrid fullback Trent Alexander-Arnold is set for an emotional return to Anfield on Tuesday night as the Spanish giants take on Liverpool in one of the standout fixtures of this week’s UEFA Champions League round.
The 27-year-old England international, once a symbol of Liverpool’s homegrown success, left the club after their Premier League title-winning campaign, joining Real Madrid on a free transfer. His departure sparked mixed emotions among fans, with some labelling the move a betrayal after years of loyalty to the Reds.
Since making the switch to the record Champions League winners, Alexander-Arnold’s time in Spain has been marred by injuries, limiting him to just 10 appearances across all competitions.
Meanwhile, Liverpool have also felt his absence. The Reds have struggled for consistency this season, sitting seven points behind leaders Arsenal in the Premier League and 10th in their Champions League group.
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Tuesday’s fixture carries high stakes for both sides. Liverpool, desperate to climb back into the top eight, will be eager to make a statement on home soil. Real Madrid, on the other hand, come into the match with momentum, having won all three of their league phase games so far this season.
The clash will also see Florian Wirtz come up against his former manager Xabi Alonso, now in charge at Real Madrid. Wirtz, who joined the Reds from Bayer Leverkusen this summer, has struggled to replicate his form, but Alonso has publicly backed the German playmaker to rediscover his best under Slot’s guidance.
Liverpool and Real Madrid share a rich Champions League history. The fixture has become a familiar one in recent years, producing some of the competition’s most memorable moments.
While Liverpool triumphed 2-0 last season, Madrid had previously dominated the rivalry, going eight games unbeaten and winning seven, including the 2018 and 2022 finals in Kyiv and Paris respectively.
Elsewhere in Tuesday’s Champions League action, Slavia Prague host Arsenal, while Napoli face Eintracht Frankfurt in another key encounter. Atletico Madrid take on Union St. Gilloise, Monaco travel to Bodo/Glimt, and Juventus lock horns with Sporting CP.
Olympiacos welcome PSV Eindhoven, Tottenham host FC København, and in another heavyweight showdown, defending champions Paris Saint-Germain square off with Bayern Munich in Paris.
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