Arne Slot may have eased the pressure with Liverpool’s crucial 2-0 Premier League victory over Aston Villa, but the Dutchman faces a far greater test as European giants Real Madrid return to Anfield. After fielding a weakened side in the EFL Cup defeat to Crystal Palace, Slot’s men responded with spirit on Merseyside, inspired by Mohamed Salah’s landmark 250th goal and a deflected strike from Ryan Gravenberch. The result lifted the mood at Anfield and gave Liverpool just their second win in eight matches across all competitions, rekindling faint hopes of stability.
Liverpool’s Champions League form has been equally unpredictable, though their record at home remains intimidating. The Reds have now won 15 consecutive European group-stage or league-phase games at Anfield, including a 3-2 thriller over Atletico Madrid and a 5-1 demolition of Eintracht Frankfurt. Memories of past victories over Real Madrid and Bayern Munich still fuel belief, even after PSG ended their continental campaign last season. Anfield, once again, prepares to host a clash heavy with history and emotion.
Alonso’s Real Madrid arrive in imperious form, having triumphed in 13 of their 14 games this season, with their only blemish being a wild 5-2 derby loss to Atletico. Fresh off a 4-0 dismantling of Valencia and three wins from three in Europe, Los Blancos remain the team to beat despite sitting fifth among Champions League leaders on goal difference. With Liverpool desperate to prove their revival is real, can Slot’s side halt Madrid’s momentum and reignite their European dream? Visit www.jocomms.com for more news.
