Alonso Sticks with Winning Formula: Real Madrid Set to Deploy El Clasico Heroes Against Liverpool
While whispers of squad unrest persist, Xabi Alonso's Real Madrid continue their impressive form. Their commanding 4–0 triumph against Valencia keeps them five points ahead at the summit of La Liga, though a challenging European away fixture awaits on Tuesday evening.
Madrid have conquered Liverpool in two Champions League finals since 2018, yet the Reds emerged victorious in their most recent encounter. It was an uncommon success for the Premier League side, but one that hinted at the trajectories both clubs would follow in 2024–25.
A season without major silverware made Carlo Ancelotti expendable, and while Alonso has faced challenges maintaining harmony within his star-studded roster, his squad appears primed to challenge across multiple competitions throughout the campaign.
Alonso suffered a crushing 5–0 defeat during his first managerial visit to Anfield with Bayer Leverkusen last term, so the visiting coach will be determined to experience a more successful homecoming this occasion. To maximize his chances of success, he might deploy the same XI that defeated Barcelona in this season's opening Clásico.
Real Madrid Predicted Lineup vs. Liverpool (4-2-3-1)
GK: Thibaut Courtois—The Belgian goalkeeper has featured in every minute of Madrid's campaign thus far, and he'll undoubtedly be trusted between the sticks at Anfield.
RB: Federico Valverde—The Trent Alexander-Arnold reunion might prove anticlimactic. The former Liverpool defender isn't fully match-fit, making Valverde a certain starter at right-back on Tuesday evening. Alonso praised the Uruguayan extensively following Saturday's victory.
CB: Éder Militão—Militão's performances this campaign have been remarkably strong, considering his two serious knee setbacks. Many would contend he currently stands among Europe's elite center-backs.
CB: Dean Huijsen—Huijsen returned for the Clásico two weeks prior, and he'll take his position beside Militão once again. Hugo Ektiké represents the threat Madrid's central defensive duo must neutralize.
LB: Álvaro Carreras—The Spanish defender has impressed since arriving, with his maiden club goal proving particularly memorable. His next challenge involves containing Mohamed Salah.
CM: Eduardo Camavinga—Camavinga was among those overwhelmed by Anfield's intimidating atmosphere last season, and he's expected to return to Alonso's starting lineup after coming off the bench versus Valencia.
CM: Aurélien Tchouaméni—He's remained a cornerstone of Alonso's Madrid setup, and the French midfielder will join forces with his countryman on Merseyside.
RW: Arda Güler—Madrid operated successfully without a traditional right-winger in the Clásico, and Alonso might employ similar tactics here. Güler will be responsible for influencing the visitors' possession and helping advance play through different phases.
AM: Jude Bellingham—Bellingham has excelled recently, and he'll be eager to shine on home soil.
LW: Vinicius Junior—The Clásico controversy appears to have settled, and Vini Jr returns to a venue where he's previously caused havoc. The Brazilian also found the net against Liverpool in the 2022 Champions League final.
ST: Kylian Mbappé—Mbappé squandered a penalty at Anfield last season during a difficult period of his Madrid tenure, but the forward approaches Tuesday's match in excellent scoring form. He's displaying world-class quality once more, and Liverpool's center-backs will need exceptional performances to keep him quiet.
