The Champions League is back after a brief hiatus, and oh boy do we have some exciting games to look forward to. Bayern Munich’s high-stakes showdown with PSG and Juventus taking on an in-form Aston Villa are just a few of the mouthwatering fixtures to keep an eye on. But the crown jewel of this week’s UCL action? Liverpool’s epic home clash against the reigning champions, Real Madrid. This is the one everyone’s been waiting for.
Real Madrid have been Liverpool’s ultimate nemesis in recent years, consistently getting the better of the Reds when it matters most. Whenever these two European powerhouses clash, the history books tend to repeat themselves, no matter what the form guide says. From the heartbreak of the 2018 and 2022 Champions League finals to being outclassed in the 2020/21 quarterfinals and the 2022/23 Round of 16, Madrid have made a habit of spoiling Liverpool’s European dreams. However, the script might just be flipped this time around.
Liverpool have started the season in blistering form, losing just once so far. After 12 games in the Premier League, the Reds hold a healthy 8-point lead at the top of the Prem table. On the continental front, Liverpool have been just as impressive. They have won all four of their matches so far, which also include impressive wins over AC Milan and Bayer Leverkusen. With 12 points already in the bag, Liverpool currently top the UCL standings too.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid find themselves navigating choppier waters. The reigning champions have endured a stuttering start to their European campaign, collecting just six points from their first four games. Sobering defeats to Lille and AC Milan have highlighted their inconsistency, despite professional victories over Stuttgart and Dortmund. This unpredictability has left Los Blancos in a precarious position—another slip-up could severely jeopardize their chances of advancing directly to the Round of 16. With their backs firmly against the wall, Madrid face a must-win scenario. But can they rise to the occasion against a red-hot Liverpool side, or will Arne Slot’s men continue their relentless march forward and finally exorcise their Madrid demons?
Date: 28th November 2024
Time: 1:30 AM (IST)
Stadium: Anfield
Location: Liverpool, England
Kelleher; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Jones; Diaz, Gakpo, Salah.
Courtois; Valverde, Rudiger, R. Asencio, Mendy; Camavinga, Modric, Bellingham; Vinicius Junior, Mbappe, B. Diaz.
Goalkeeper: Caoimhim Kelleher (Liverpool)
Defenders: Virgil Van Dijk (Liverpool), Antonio Rudiger (Madrid), Kostas Tsimikas (Liverpool)
Midfielders: Jude Bellingham (Madrid), Curtis Jones (Liverpool), Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool), Eduardo Camavinga (Madrid)
Forwards: Mohamed Salah (Liverpool), Vinicius Junior (Madrid), Luis Diaz (Liverpool)