From Dominance to Doubt
A year ago, Liverpool were on top of the footballing world. They had defeated Real Madrid and Manchester City in a single week — the reigning champions of Europe and England — establishing themselves as the best team on the planet.
But that was then. Fast-forward to now, and the picture is starkly different. A narrow victory over Aston Villa merely softened a miserable run of six defeats in eight matches. The aura of invincibility has faded, replaced by uncertainty and inconsistency.
Slot’s New Reality
Arne Slot faces the same daunting doubleheader — Real Madrid and Manchester City — but under very different circumstances. “It is not the same,” Slot admitted. “Last season we played them both at home; now one is away. Last season Real had many injuries; now they haven’t. Last season we were a different team.”
Liverpool’s expensive £450 million rebuild has yet to yield tangible results. While Real Madrid arrive boasting 13 wins in 14 games, Liverpool are still searching for rhythm and cohesion.
Missing Stars, Shifting Fortunes
In last year’s clash, Real Madrid were without key players like Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo, Eder Militao, Aurelien Tchouameni, David Alaba, and Dani Carvajal. This time, Liverpool will be missing Alexander Isak, Jeremie Frimpong, and goalkeeper Alisson Becker.
Yet, history reminds us that Liverpool’s triumph at Anfield came through unexpected heroes. With Alisson sidelined then too, Caoimhin Kelleher saved a Kylian Mbappe penalty, while Conor Bradley delivered a fearless performance that became part of Anfield folklore.
Alexander-Arnold Returns — in White
Trent Alexander-Arnold, who was an unused substitute that night, now returns to Anfield in the white of Real Madrid. The reception he will receive is uncertain; he was booed last April when he announced his departure.
Slot, however, struck a conciliatory tone: “He gets a warm welcome from me, that’s for sure. I have great memories of the player and the person.”
The Bradley Test
With Alexander-Arnold gone, Conor Bradley faces the toughest test of his young career. Slot’s advice was simple: “Stay fit.” Yet the true challenge will come against Vinicius Junior — a player Slot described as “lightning fast” and “very special one-on-one.”
For Liverpool, this match is not just about revenge or rivalry — it is a measure of how far they have fallen, and whether they can once again rise to the level that once made them Europe’s most feared force.
