Liverpool vs Real Madrid Preview, Predictions, and Top Wagers
Wednesday Night Showdown: Liverpool vs Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League
Get ready for a thrilling encounter as the Reds take on Los Blancos! Liverpool burst out of the gates this season with an unblemished record in the Champions League, while Real Madrid find themselves struggling in the League Stage table.
Liverpool's Sensational Run
The Reds are on a roll this season, notching an impressive 10 wins in 12 league matches and a perfect record in the Champions League. After an eight-game win streak, they earned a valuable 2-2 draw at Arsenal. Their current winning streak now sits at five games strong.
Thumping Brighton 3-2 away in the Carabao Cup and securing a 2-1 league victory over the Seagulls shortly after, they then routed Bayer Leverkusen 4-0 with an impressive 3.79 xG. A dramatic 3-2 comeback win at Southampton on Sunday pushed them eight points clear at the top of the Premier League.
Liverpool's Key Players and Injuries
Coach Arne Slot will have to make due with five players on the sidelines for this match. Alisson Becker, Kostas Tsimikas, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Diogo Jota are ruled out. However, Conor Bradley is set to deputize at right-back, and Harvey Elliott is back in contention following a serious ankle injury. Luis Díaz and Alexis Mac Allister are expected to return to the starting XI, offering full-strength options in key areas.
Liverpool's Aim for Victory
While Liverpool don't necessarily need to win this match, they'll want to put on a strong performance in front of their fans in a marquee tie. Although the Reds are unlikely to overcommit with a crucial match against Manchester City looming on Sunday, they will still attack Real Madrid and aim for victory.
Real Madrid's Tough Season
Real Madrid's form has been inconsistent. In September, they conceded a late equalizer to draw 1-1 with Atletico Madrid before suffering a shock 1-0 loss to Lille in the Champions League.
After back-to-back La Liga wins, Los Blancos thrashed Borussia Dortmund 5-2 at home, scoring three late goals from 26 shots and 3.55 xG. However, dire results followed: a 4-0 home thrashing by Barcelona in La Liga and a 3-1 defeat to AC Milan, leaving them in a precarious position in Europe.
Since the FIFA break, Madrid have improved with a 4-0 home win over Osasuna and a 3-0 victory at Leganes on Sunday.
Real Madrid's Team News and Injuries
Carlo Ancelotti faces significant selection challenges for this match. Dani Carvajal and Éder Militão are out for the season, while David Alaba is not yet ready to return. Aurelien Tchouaméni is also sidelined, leaving gaps in defensive midfield and at center-back. Youngster Raúl Asencio may get another start, while Francisco García is expected to start over Ferland Mendy at left-back. Vinícius Júnior is ruled out, but Rodrygo has returned to training and could feature, posing a threat to Liverpool's defense.
Real Madrid's Motivation
Real Madrid is in a precarious position in the Champions League and cannot afford to lose this match. They will aim to take at least a point from Anfield to keep their European hopes alive. Expect Los Blancos to focus on defensive organization and rely on quick counter-attacks. Their weekend trip to Getafe is unlikely to distract from fielding their strongest XI.
Key Stats
Liverpool have scored 2+ goals in their last six home Champions League matches.
Liverpool have won 16 of their 18 matches this season, scoring 42 goals.
Liverpool have failed to beat Real Madrid in their last eight matches (7 losses, 1 draw).
Real Madrid have lost 2 of their last 3 Champions League matches but had just 1 loss in 21 matches before that.
Real Madrid have conceded in 9 of their last 10 Champions League matches.
Betting Tips
While Real Madrid have a strong record against Liverpool, their defensive injuries make it hard to see them securing a positive result at Anfield. Liverpool's strong form and home advantage tip the balance in their favor.
Best Bet: Liverpool win at 2.20
Alternate Bet: Liverpool win and Salah to score anytime at 3.20
Goalscorer Tip: Mohamed Salah to score first or last in the match at 2.80
- The Champions League match between Liverpool and Real Madrid on Wednesday promises to be a riveting encounter, with Liverpool having an impressive record this season, while Real Madrid are finding it tough in the League Stage.
- Liverpool's sensational run includes an unbeaten record in the Champions League, 10 wins in 12 league matches, and a five-game winning streak, despite missing several key players.
- Real Madrid's form has been inconsistent, with losses to Lille in the Champions League and Barcelona in La Liga, but they have recently improved following the FIFA break.
- Although Liverpool don't need to win the match, they will aim for a strong performance, especially in key areas where Luis Díaz and Alexis Mac Allister are expected to return.
- Real Madrid, in a precarious position in the Champions League, will focus on defensive organization and look to take at least a point from Anfield to keep their European hopes alive.
