One of the great Champions League fixtures returns on Tuesday night, as Liverpool host Spanish giants and serial European champions Real Madrid at Anfield.

Since the 2017/18 season, the sides have met seven times, making this their eighth encounter — a rivalry that has become one of the most frequent on the continental stage. Only Manchester City vs Real Madrid (10) and Paris Saint-Germain vs Bayern Munich (9) have been played more often during that period.

A Special Night at Anfield

Tuesday’s clash carries special significance. Xabi Alonso returns to the club where he lifted the Champions League trophy in 2005, while Trent Alexander-Arnold is back at Anfield after leaving at the end of last season.

Real Madrid arrive in the north-west as one of only five clubs boasting a perfect record in this season’s competition. Los Blancos have won all three of their opening group games, scoring eight goals and conceding just once. History suggests they thrive from such starts — the last four times they began a Champions League campaign with four straight wins, they went on to lift the trophy twice (2002, 2024) and reached the semi-finals on the other two occasions (2012, 2015).

Contrasting Form

Real Madrid’s form under Alonso has been formidable. Across their last six matches in all competitions, they’ve scored 16 goals and conceded only two.

Liverpool, on the other hand, have struggled for consistency. Arne Slot’s men have lost four of their last six fixtures, scoring and conceding 11 goals in that run — a far cry from their flying start to the 2024/25 season.

Still, the Reds can take confidence from their 2-0 victory over Madrid last season — courtesy of Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo — and from their imperious home record. Liverpool have won 20 of their last 22 Champions League group-stage games at Anfield, including each of the last 12 in succession.

Trent’s Potential Return

Manager Arne Slot has won 10 of his 13 Champions League games in charge — an impressive record for a coach just over a year into his Liverpool tenure.

Trent Alexander-Arnold, recently back from injury, has been named on the bench for the last two matches. Whether this is the moment for his full return remains to be seen. Alonso is not one for sentiment, so Trent’s inclusion will depend entirely on whether he’s deemed ready to face his former side — especially with Madrid missing defensive stalwarts Dani Carvajal, Antonio Rüdiger, and David Alaba.

Given Trent’s mixed spell in Madrid and the intensity of a packed Anfield crowd, his return to the spotlight will be under close scrutiny.

Mbappé the Main Threat

All eyes will also be on Kylian Mbappé, who continues to be Madrid’s driving force. The French forward has already notched 13 goals and two assists in LaLiga, alongside five in the Champions League.

Liverpool, meanwhile, will be without Alexander Isak, Jeremie Frimpong, and goalkeeper Alisson Becker through injury — handing Giorgi Mamardashvili another opportunity to impress between the posts. With Real Madrid leading the competition for shots on goal (37), the Georgian keeper is likely to face a busy evening.

Reds’ Firepower and the Anfield Factor

Mohamed Salah’s goal against Aston Villa over the weekend will boost confidence, and alongside the energetic Hugo Ekitike, Liverpool possess enough attacking threat to trouble Thibaut Courtois.

History suggests goals are on the cards — of the 12 meetings between these two European heavyweights, only one has ended goalless.

While victory isn’t essential at this stage of the group campaign, three points would pull Liverpool level with Madrid and build on their morale-boosting weekend win.

Whatever the result, another electrifying Anfield atmosphere is guaranteed — and the home faithful will be hoping for a night reminiscent of that famous 4-0 comeback against Barcelona.