Liverpool vs Real Madrid: It's Time to Fully Turn the Corner

Liverpool continue their crucial week against Real Madrid at Anfield...

After six defeats in seven games, Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Aston Villa provided breathing space and a first glimpse that Arne Slot’s side still remembers how to control a football match. But now it’s time to fully turn the corner. There’s no better time to do so than against Real Madrid under the Anfield lights.

Real Madrid’s Power Is Real, But So Is Anfield’s

Real Madrid are the best in the world at being the best in the world. They arrive with the likes of Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior. They’ve won 10 of 11 in La Liga and are playing with the kind of sharpness usually reserved for the knockout stages of this competition.

Their midfield is deep, with Bellingham, Tchouameni, Valverde and Arda Guler offering variety and threat. The latter of those has been absolutely sensational this season and has unfinished business with Liverpool’s Dominik Szoboszlai. In defence, Huijsen and Militao have both looked strong this season. This version of Real Madrid is expected to be far more lethal and cutting than this time last season, when Liverpool came out 2-0 winners.

But Liverpool aren’t tourists in this competition themselves. This is their ground and their competition. Anfield is far from new to these nights and when Real Madrid step out onto that pitch, the roar will remind them of that.

Trent’s Return Is Noise, But Liverpool Must Focus

There will be talk, and there already is, about Trent Alexander-Arnold’s return to Anfield in white. The reception will be loud, and it will not be warm. His departure still cuts deep. But the focus can’t be solely on him. This isn’t about individual storylines, as tempting as they are. This is about collective response.

Slot’s Liverpool have a clear job, which is to impose themselves physically and tactically from the first whistle. Against Aston Villa, the side looked calm and in control. Dominik Szoboszlai was a standout, driving midfield with intent and precision. Mohamed Salah took his chance clinically. Robertson rolled back the years and Mamardashvili looked assured between the sticks.

Liverpool need all of them again. Every one of them. But they also need a new level of aggression. The kind that rattles Real Madrid. The kind that makes their stars second guess every move.

Midfield Battle Will Shape the Night

Szoboszlai and Gravenberch are certain starters. They’ve earned that with consistency and purpose. The third midfield slot is the conundrum. Alexis Mac Allister produced his best display in months against Villa, showing bite, energy and composure. But three big games in a week may be too much.

Florian Wirtz, despite questions around his physicality, could be the key. Real Madrid aren’t known for sitting deep. They want to play, to open you up with fluidity and pace. That plays into Wirtz’s hands. His eye for a pass and ability to pick the lock in tight spaces may prove vital. He hasn’t had the easiest start to life at Liverpool, but sometimes all it takes is one performance to change a narrative. This could be that night.

Slot’s bravery will be tested here. Mac Allister offers control. Wirtz offers incision. The former is safe. The latter might win you the match.

Liverpool Must Be Ruthless, Not Romantic

This isn’t a time to talk about what could have been. It’s a time to execute. If Liverpool want to beat Real Madrid, they’ll need to do the basics better than they have done for weeks. Defensive discipline can’t be optional. Van Dijk and Konate must play their best game of the season. Any lapse, and Mbappe or Vinicius will be through.

Connor Bradley will be under pressure, and if Real target his side, he’ll need support from midfield and the crowd. He was sensational in this fixture last season and it would be fantastic to run that back.

Cody Gakpo, Hugo Ekitike and Salah must be sharper. They must press as a unit and be ready to spring forward when the ball turns over. The chances will come. The question is whether Liverpool are ready to finish them.

Nights that Anfield is Made For

The team needs the crowd as much as ever. When Anfield is fierce, the impossible feels probable. Real Madrid know this. They’ve felt it before but they’ve also silenced it before too.

But this time, Liverpool need Anfield to roar like it has done on so many occasions over the years.

Liverpool Predicted XI: Mamardashvili, Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson, Gravenberch, Szoboszlai, Wirtz, Salah, Ekitike, Gakpo.

Score Prediction: Liverpool 1-2 Real Madrid