Liverpool's Quest for Consistency: Slot's Tactical Gamble Against Real Madrid Revealed
Saturday's commanding 2–0 triumph against Aston Villa showcased the Liverpool side that secured their 20th league championship in Arne Slot's inaugural campaign as manager.
The Merseysiders survived an initial onslaught and took advantage of a catastrophic mistake from Emiliano Martínez before cruising to maximum points. Now, Slot's squad sits third in the standings and faces a match that could revitalize their faltering campaign.
Trent Alexander-Arnold's comeback remains an inescapable storyline, though Slot will concentrate entirely on securing a result that would restore faith at Anfield. This current Real Madrid squad is significantly stronger than last term's version that suffered a 2–0 defeat on Merseyside, with all indicators suggesting an explosive encounter on Tuesday evening.
Slot returned to a proven approach at the weekend, and the Dutch tactician is expected to make minimal changes for Madrid's arrival. Here's how Liverpool might set up for this marquee Champions League clash.
Liverpool Predicted Lineup vs. Real Madrid (4-2-3-1)
GK: Giorgi Mamardashvili—Caoimhin Kelleher was instrumental in Liverpool's victory over Madrid last campaign, and the visitors' potent offense will certainly test the Georgian on Tuesday evening. Mamardashvili aims to match Kelleher's performance after recording a shutout at the weekend.
RB: Conor Bradley—Bradley recovered from an uncertain beginning against Villa to deliver an energetic performance at right back filled with intensity. The Northern Ireland international will face Mbappé once more after executing a superb tackle on the French star in last year's meeting.
CB: Ibrahima Konaté—Konaté's battle with Mbappé could prove crucial, though Liverpool fans will worry about the defender's inconsistent form at the beginning of 2025–26.
CB: Virgil van Dijk—Liverpool's skipper returned to his customary standards on Saturday, and the home side urgently requires a classic Van Dijk performance against the La Liga frontrunners.
LB: Andy Robertson—The experienced left back remains a superior choice to summer acquisition Milos Kerkez currently, and Robertson should maintain his position for this prestigious encounter.
CM: Ryan Gravenberch—Gravenberch clinched Liverpool's victory last match during a goal-scoring run in 2025–26. His presence in the midfield was crucial to Saturday's achievement.
CM: Alexis Mac Allister—Though Mac Allister can struggle physically in such contests, his combination with Gravenberch was vital to Liverpool's championship success last season, and the Argentine excelled at the weekend.
RW: Mohamed Salah—Salah has harbored resentment toward Real Madrid since the 2018 Champions League final, yet his statistics against the Spanish giants are disappointing. He's triumphed in only one of nine encounters against Los Blancos, netting twice.
AM: Dominik Szoboszlai—The Hungarian has been Liverpool's most impressive player this season, and Slot will keep Szoboszlai in the attacking midfield position where he excelled last campaign. Florian Wirtz should receive an opportunity from the substitutes' bench.
LW: Cody Gakpo—Alexander Isak's unavailability ensures Gakpo will certainly keep his spot on Liverpool's left flank. Slot also has Federico Chiesa and Rio Ngumoha as alternatives.
ST: Hugo Ekitiké—The most successful of Liverpool's summer acquisitions will be eager to impress against the La Liga leaders, who were only loosely connected with his transfer before the striker arrived on Merseyside. Isak's injury eliminates any striker selection dilemma for Slot.
