Liverpool Clash with Real Madrid: Epic Showdown Preview, Bold Predictions and Starting XI Revealed
Liverpool and Real Madrid clash in what promises to be an enthralling Champions League encounter on Tuesday evening, as these two European powerhouses meet in Matchday 4 of the league stage.
Madrid, the competition's most decorated club, have traditionally dominated encounters with the Reds, triumphing in two finals, though Liverpool secured some payback last campaign with a commanding 2–0 victory over Carlo Ancelotti's team at Anfield.
The Spanish giants arrive significantly strengthened compared to twelve months prior. Under the guidance of ex-Liverpool star Xabi Alonso, they enter Tuesday's clash sitting five points ahead at La Liga's summit while maintaining a perfect Champions League campaign.
Wins against Marseille, Kairat Almaty and Juventus have positioned Madrid favorably, placing them three points ahead of the Reds, who suffered defeat to Galatasaray in Matchday 2.
Arne Slot's squad has endured a challenging period recently, though their convincing 2–0 triumph over Aston Villa in Premier League action on Saturday provided reassuring signs of their trademark style. Success here would suggest the English titleholders have regained their momentum.
Here is Sports Illustrated's comprehensive preview of this showdown.
What Time Does Liverpool vs. Real Madrid Kick Off?
Liverpool vs. Real Madrid Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Games)
Current Form (All Competitions)
Liverpool | Real Madrid |
|---|---|
Liverpool 2–0 Aston Villa - 01/11/25 | Real Madrid 4–0 Valencia - 01/11/25 |
Liverpool 0–3 Crystal Palace - 29/10/25 | Real Madrid 2–1 Barcelona - 26/10/25 |
Brentford 3–2 Liverpool - 25/10/25 | Real Madrid 1–0 Juventus - 22/10/25 |
Eintracht Frankfurt 1–5 Liverpool - 22/10/25 | Getafe 0–1 Real Madrid - 19/10/25 |
Liverpool 1–2 Man Utd - 19/10/25 | Real Madrid 3–1 Villarreal - 04/10/25 |
How to Watch Liverpool vs. Real Madrid on TV, Live Stream
Country | TV channel/live stream |
|---|---|
United States | Paramount+, TUDN.com, Univision NOW, TUDN App, Amazon Prime Video, ViX, TUDN USA, Univision |
United Kingdom | Amazon Prime |
Canada | DAZN Canada, fuboTV Canada, Amazon Prime Video |
Mexico | Max Mexico, TNT Go, Amazon Prime Video, TNT Sports |
Liverpool Team News
Alexander Isak was absent from Monday's training session ahead of Real Madrid's arrival, making the Swedish striker doubtful for selection. Meanwhile, Curtis Jones has rejoined training after being sidelined over the weekend.
Slot returned to his championship-winning midfield combination against Villa, and the same trio of Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch should feature from the start on Tuesday evening. Florian Wirtz will likely be among the substitutes.
Andy Robertson remains Slot's preferred choice at left-back, considering Milos Kerkez's recent difficulties, while Conor Bradley will continue as the first-choice right-back with Jeremie Frimpong unavailable.
Academy prospects Jayden Danns, Giovanni Leoni and Stefan Bajčetić remain sidelined with injuries.
Liverpool Predicted Lineup vs. Real Madrid
Liverpool predicted lineup vs. Real Madrid (4-2-3-1): Mamardashvili; Bradley, Konaté, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Gakpo; Ekitiké.
Real Madrid Team News
Trent Alexander-Arnold's return to Anfield may prove anticlimactic, as the former Liverpool defender remained on the bench throughout the weekend following his recovery from a hamstring problem.
With Dani Carvajal sidelined, Federico Valverde is expected to fill the right-back position for the visitors. Alonso praised the Uruguayan's weekend performance, highlighting his evolution as a defensive player.
Madrid will also be without summer signing Franco Mastantuono following an injury sustained during Saturday's emphatic victory over Valencia. Eduardo Camavinga should replace the Argentine and form a midfield partnership with Aurélien Tchouaméni.
Vinicius Junior featured for 79 minutes on Saturday following his Clasico controversy. He'll operate on Madrid's left flank, looking to exploit Liverpool's defensive vulnerabilities alongside the prolific Kylian Mbappé.
Real Madrid Predicted Lineup vs. Liverpool
Real Madrid predicted lineup vs. Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Valverde, Militão, Huijsen, Carreras; Camavinga, Tchouaméni; Güler, Bellingham, Vinicius; Mbappé.
Liverpool vs. Real Madrid Score Prediction
Liverpool displayed their finest form of the campaign against Villa, though without reaching spectacular heights. Slot will have been pleased with his team's dominance throughout the match, with his return to last season's favored midfield setup proving effective.
The Reds remain vulnerable defensively, making it difficult to envision Madrid failing to create opportunities in possession and during counter-attacks on Tuesday evening. Slot may acknowledge that containing the visitors completely will prove challenging, potentially embracing Anfield's electric atmosphere and accepting an open encounter.
A memorable evening on Merseyside could unfold, with the Reds, buoyed by Saturday's success, narrowly prevailing in a thrilling contest.
Prediction: Liverpool 3–2 Real Madrid