Liverpool host Real Madrid in the Champions League at Anfield on Tuesday evening.
The two teams head into the fixture on a winning note – Liverpool beat Aston Villa 2-0 in the Premier League, while Madrid thrashed Valencia 4-0 in La Liga.
Match preview
Liverpool have fared reasonably well in Europe, winning two and losing one of their opening three Champions League matches.
The Reds will be buoyed by confidence after producing one of their best performances of the season to beat Villa.
Liverpool played with more fluidity and defended better than they have done for most of this season.
Manager Arne Slot left summer signings Florian Wirtz and Milos Kerkez out of the starting XI, but they could return against Madrid.
The Spanish giants have started the season brilliantly and are one of five sides that have won their opening three games in the competition.
Manager Xabi Alonso has been able to manage the team’s superstars effectively.
Alonso came under immense scrutiny after Madrid’s 5-2 loss to Atletico Madrid, but he has since proved the doubters wrong, including masterminding a 2-1 win over Barcelona.
The visit to his old stomping ground will provide a further test of Alonso’s credentials.
Head-to-head
Liverpool have won four, drawn one and lost seven of their previous 12 encounters with Madrid in European competitions.
Team news
The Reds will be without goalkeeper Alisson Becker, Giovanni Leoni and Jeremie Frimpong. Curtis Jones and Alexander Isak are doubtful.
Madrid will be without Antonio Rudiger and Dani Carvajal, while David Alaba could also be ruled out.
Key players
Liverpool
Dominik Szoboszlai: The Hungarian’s high-intensity off the ball will be crucial for the hosts.
Mohamed Salah: Salah looks to be rediscovering his form, scoring two goals in the last two games.
Real Madrid
Kylian Mbappe: The France international has scored five goals – the joint-highest in the competition.
Jude Bellingham: The dynamic midfielder has bagged three goals and one assist in his last three matches.
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