Liverpool vs Real Madrid: Champions League team news and prediction

The standout fixture from the midweek round of Champions League games sees Real Madrid travel to Anfield to face Liverpool. This will be the third season in a row these sides have played each other, which should live up to the scintillating standards we have witnessed in recent years.

WhoScored preview the game at Anfield as we provide the necessary pre-match information, including where to watch the match, team news and probable XIs. 

When is kick off?

Tuesday 21th February, 20:00 GMT

Where is the match?

Anfield, Liverpool (England)

What TV channel is it on?

BT Sport 1 

Form Guide 

Liverpool come into this game having recovered from a tough start to the New Year, securing back-to-back victories. Since their win against Leicester, they won only once in all competitions prior to their Merseyside derby win over Everton. Victory over Newcastle at the weekend was a sign that Liverpool’s defensive resolve had returned as they seek a sixth successive Champions League win this season.

As for Los Blancos, they have had a busy start to the New Year, winning the FIFA Club World Cup, and have returned to La Liga action with back-to-back victories over Elche and Osasuna. They still trail Barcelona in the league, and might instead focus their efforts on the Champions League.

Team News

Darwin Nunez came off against Newcastle with a shoulder injury, but he is available, and he is in competition with Roberto Firmino to join Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo up front. Diogo Jota may also start his first game for the Reds since October after he picked up a long term injury, which has ruled him out until last week's Merseyside Derby. Luis Diaz and Arthur will not be fit to play in this one.

Real Madrid could be without Toni Kroos, Karim Benzema and Aurelien Tchouameni, as none featured in their 2-0 win over Osasuna. Ferland Mendy is the only confirmed absentee due to injury. Kroos and Benzema may start, but Carlo Ancelotti could call upon Rodrygo and Dani Ceballos against Liverpool should the former pair not recover in time.

Probable XIs

Liverpool (4-3-3) - Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson; Henderson, Fabinho, Bajcetic; Salah, Firmino, Gakpo

Real Madrid (4-3-3) – Courtois; Carvajal, Militao, Rudiger, Alaba; Modric, Camavinga, Kroos; Valverde, Benzema, Vinicius Junior

Key Battle: Mohamed Salah vs Vinicius Junior

Mohamed Salah and Vinicius Junior both top their respective team’s Champions League goal tally, with Salah level with Kylian Mbappe on seven goals in the competition. The pair have been causing problems for defenders in their respective leagues and Europe, and both will be looking to help give their sides a first leg advantage going into the return leg in Madrid.

The Egyptian is one goal away from matching his 2021/22 Champions League tally and has scored in his last five appearances in the competition, including a hat-trick off the bench against Rangers. While his league form has been sub-par, he is still one of Liverpool primary attacking threat.

Vinicius, who scored the winner in last season’s Champions League final between these two, has been playing his part in Real Madrid’s solid season, and his 16 goal contributions in 27 games highlights just that. Indeed, he has already equalled his goal tally from last season's Champions League triumph.

Score Prediction: Liverpool 2-2 Real Madrid