Liverpool vs Real Madrid: Preview, head-to-head and key stats
Liverpool welcome a familiar face back to Anfield tonight as Xabi Alonso’s Real Madrid arrive for a blockbuster UEFA Champions League group stage clash.
The Spanish giants, unbeaten so far this season, pose the toughest of tests for Arne Slot’s Reds, who are looking to build on their 2–0 Premier League win over Aston Villa last weekend.
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While Real Madrid’s visit is always daunting, Liverpool will take confidence from their 2–0 victory over the 15-time European champions at Anfield last season. Goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo sealed that win; Liverpool’s first win over Real Madrid since 2009.
Head-to-Head Record
Total meetings: 12
Liverpool wins: 4
Real Madrid wins: 7
Draws: 1
Goals: Real Madrid 15 – 11 Liverpool
Liverpool first beat Real Madrid in the 1981 European Cup Final, before defeating them 5-0 on aggregate in the 2009 Champions League Final. Since then, however, Madrid have dominated, winning seven of the next eight encounters, including the 2018 and 2022 Champions League Finals.
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Current Form
Liverpool: Ended a four-game losing streak with a 2–0 victory over Aston Villa.
Real Madrid: Top of La Liga, unbeaten in all competitions, and perfect in the Champions League with wins over Marseille, Kairat Almaty, and Juventus.
Manager Comments
Arne Slot (Liverpool):
“I would like to welcome Xabi Alonso, his players and staff, and the directors of Real Madrid to Anfield. There is a great deal of respect between our clubs, and while this will be a fiercely contested match, I hope that respect continues after the final whistle.”
Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid):
“I try not to let emotions take over. I want to stay focused and prepare as I would for any other game. Coming back to Anfield is always special, but my priority is to help my team perform.”
Stat Focus
Real Madrid have started this season’s Champions League campaign with three straight wins. On two of the previous four occasions, they began with four in a row (2001/02 and 2023/24), and they went on to win the trophy.
Liverpool are unbeaten in their last five Champions League home games.
Both sides are eyeing the top spot in the league phase, but beyond the points, tonight’s clash carries historic significance, a meeting of Europe’s elite, bound by rivalry and respect.
