Liverpool resumes their UEFA Champions League campaign with an unblemished record in the competition so far this season. The Reds prepare to face Los Blancos following a 3-2 weekend victory over Southampton.
Currently, Arne Slot’s team occupies third place in the league standings, having scored 10 goals and conceded just once. This includes their 3-1 win over AC Milan, in which the Italian side briefly led after Christian Pulisic’s third-minute goal.
Liverpool aims to extend their winning streak at home, but they face a tough challenge against Carlo Ancelotti’s in-form squad. Real Madrid has secured back-to-back La Liga wins, scoring seven goals without conceding.
**SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 24:** Luis Diaz of Liverpool celebrates as Mohamed Salah scores Liverpool’s third goal during their Premier League clash with Southampton at St Mary’s Stadium on November 24, 2024. (Photo by John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Real Madrid’s Champions League form has been inconsistent, with only two wins and two losses placing them in 21st on the table. However, recent performances suggest they are finding their rhythm.
Liverpool’s lineup for the match will closely resemble the team from their weekend victory.
**Liverpool Starting XI:**
– **Goalkeeper:** Caoimhin Kelleher retains his spot following stellar recent performances, leaving Alisson Becker on the bench despite his recovery from injury.
– **Defenders:** Andrew Robertson will play at left-back, with Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate as center-backs. Conor Bradley replaces Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back, as Alexander-Arnold, newly recovered from injury, starts on the bench.
– **Midfielders:** Ryan Gravenberch will feature as a defensive midfielder, supported by Alexis Mac Allister and Curtis Jones.
– **Forwards:** Darwin Nunez leads the attack, joined by Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz, who replaces Cody Gakpo from the previous match.
**Liverpool XI vs Real Madrid:** Caoimhin Kelleher, Andrew Robertson, Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Conor Bradley, Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, Curtis Jones, Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez, Mohamed Salah.
Real Madrid, meanwhile, will be without Vinicius Junior, sidelined for three weeks after an injury in their 3-0 win over Leganes.
**Real Madrid Starting XI:**
– **Goalkeeper:** Thibaut Courtois starts after returning from injury over the weekend.
– **Defenders:** Ferland Mendy lines up at left-back, with Antonio Rudiger and Raul Asencio partnering in central defense. Federico Valverde slots in at right-back.
– **Midfielders:** Brahim Diaz, Luka Modric, and Eduardo Camavinga form the midfield, with Jude Bellingham playing in an advanced role.
– **Forwards:** Kylian Mbappe replaces Vinicius Junior on the left wing, while Arda Guler takes the right wing.
**Real Madrid XI vs Liverpool:** Thibaut Courtois, Ferland Mendy, Antonio Rudiger, Raul Asencio, Federico Valverde, Brahim Diaz, Luka Modric, Eduardo Camavinga, Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe, Arda Guler.