Liverpool host Real Madrid in Champions League blockbuster – team news and updates

Given Liverpool and Real Madrid are two of Europe’s grandest clubs, you would think they played each other more often that their one meeting in the 20th century. That was in the 1981 European Cup final in Paris, where Liverpool won their third title thanks to Alan Kennedy’s only goal.

Their next clash came in 2009, when Liverpool beat Real Madrid 1-0 in the Bernanbeu before thrashing Los Blancos 4-0 at Anfield in the last-16 of the Champions League.

With an opening goal from Fernando Torres, two from Steven Gerrard and an unlikely fourth from Andrea Dossena, it’s also the last time Liverpool beat tonight’s opponents – despite facing them on eight more occasions.

But that night, on 10 March 2009, remains one of Liverpool’s finest nights in Europe, and perhaps one of Gerrard’s best-ever games for the Reds.

Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham believes he was made a scapegoat for England’s Euro 2024 shortcomings.

Gareth Southgate’s side lost in the final to Spain and Bellingham finished the tournament with two goals and one assist in seven appearances.

However, the 21-year-old felt England’s failure was pinned more on him than anyone else and it took him several months to get over that.

After helping the national team qualify for the Nations League under interim boss Lee Carsley, Bellingham posted on Instagram earlier this month he had “got his smile back”.

Real midfielder Jude Bellingham is good friends with Alexander-Arnold from their time together with England, and was asked whether he would be playing with the defender next season.

“I’ll be playing alongside him next season for England anyway. That will be a guarantee,” Bellingham said.

“But he’s a Liverpool player and it would be disrespectful to come to his home today with a big game tomorrow and talk about something that could be misconstrued so it’s important to take that pressure off him.

“He is a really good mate of mine and I want him to do really well, just not tomorrow night. We will see what happens but he is a Liverpool player.”

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti refused to be drawn on speculation linking the club with a move for Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold.

The England right-back is out of contract in the summer and speculation persists over a move to the Bernabeu.

Real currently have an issue at right-back with Dani Carvajal ruled out for the season after an ACL injury, only intensifying the Alexander-Arnold talk.

However, Ancelotti refused to be drawn on any potential interest in the 26-year-old.

“I am sorry I cannot think about Alexander-Arnold, he is not my player,” was all the former Everton boss would say ahead of their Champions League clash at Anfield.

“I consider, as usual, Liverpool with a lot of respect – a fantastic club, fantastic supporters – but I’m still an Evertonian.”

A makeshift line-up for Real Madrid, to say the least, with Carlo Ancelotti not just missing Vincius Jr but Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao, Aurelien Tchouameni and Rodrygo as well.

Antonio Rudiger and Ferland Mendy are the only two regular starters available in defence, as Fede Valverde continues at right-back with academy prospect Raul Asensio at centre-back.

Kylian Mbappe and Brahim Diaz lead the attack, which will be supported by Jude Bellingham. Luka Modric and Eduardo Camavinga are joined in midfield by Arda Guler.

TEAM NEWS! As usual, Real Madrid have announced their team early. Here’s the starting line-up:

Real Madrid XI: Courtois; Valverde, Asencio, Rudiger, Mendy; Camavinga, Modric, Guler; Bellingham; Mbappe, Brahim

Will Liverpool’s position in the Premier League – and Sunday’s crunch match against champions Manchester City – distract the Reds from their Champions League campaign ahead of facing Real Madrid tonight?

Karl Matchett has analysed Liverpool’s start, and what it would mean for Arne Slot’s side to go 11 points clear…

As clear and emphatic as Mohamed Salah’s words on Sunday were, something was still left unsaid. The lack of an offer doesn’t mean the lack of talks.

And that is where there is much more nuance and uncertainty than in the simple words: “I haven’t received an offer.”

Those within Liverpool insist that contact with the player’s agent is ongoing and has been positive. Some close to the situation similarly interpret Salah’s words, and the timing, as trying to force the club’s hand.

More from Arne Slot on Mohamed Salah, who has scored 12 goals in all competitions for Liverpool this season.

“I don’t think Mo is distracted at all. I didn’t see that after the [Manchester] United game where he had some comments. He just kept on scoring. He is fully focused on the game. If you would have been at the Axa [training ground] today, I don’t think any player talked about it, at least when I was there. I don’t think there is any distraction for him or the players.”

Arne Slot insists Mohamed Salah’s complaints about not being offered a contract yet are no distraction for Liverpool and said the stand-off might be bringing the best from his top scorer.

Salah said on Sunday that he was “more out than in” amid protracted contract negotiations with his deal set to expire next summer and he is able to discuss a free transfer move next summer from the start of January.

The Egyptian insisted Liverpool have not yet put a new deal on the table for him, though his agent, Remy Abbas, has been in talks with the Premier League leaders’ sporting director, Richard Hughes.

But head coach Slot smiled: “The only thing I can say is if I look at my line-ups, Mo is more in than out.”