Monday, November 25, 2024

Liverpool v Real Madrid - Match Preview

Liverpool welcome Real Madrid to Anfield for a huge heavyweight clash in the Champions League group stages.

It has been an excellent start to life as Liverpool manager for Arne Slot, both domestically and in Europe. The Reds lead the Premier League by eight points and have enjoyed a perfect start to the Champions League. They are the only side in the tournament to have picked up maximum points, meaning another victory would leave them in a very strong position to advance to the knockout stages.

Standing in their way is Real Madrid, who have had an underwhelming season so far. However, they trail their rivals Barcelona by just four points with a game in hand, though have work to do in Europe. After four games, Real sit in 18th with just six points. They have already suffered two defeats and cannot afford fall to another if they want to remain in contention for the top eight. As it stands, they are in a play-off spot.

Despite the signing of Kylian Mbappe in the summer, Carlo Ancelotti’s side have not been as dominant as expected. The Frenchman has scored eight goals across the two competitions, but faces the second-toughest defence in the tournament. Liverpool have conceded just one goal in Europe, form they have also displayed in the league. Their eight goals allowed is by far the best in the Premier League.

However, the visitors have more than enough talent to trouble their opponents. Jude Bellingham is always a threat, and he has now scored in two consecutive games.

At the other end, Liverpool are just as strong. Mo Salah has delivered another fantastic campaign with ten league goals and another in Europe. Luis Diaz has also contributed eight across both competitions. They should be confident in scoring against a Real Madrid defence who have not yet kept a clean sheet in the Champions League.

This will be the 12th meeting between these two European giants, but it is Real Madrid who possess the superior record. Liverpool have won three fixtures though have not recorded victory since 2009. They are currently amidst an eight-game winless streak against their opponents which includes seven losses. The most recent game was in March 2023 when the pair faced off in the Champions League Round of 16. The Spaniards were 1-0 winners with Karim Benzema on target to advance 6-2 on aggregate.

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