Liverpool vs Real Madrid Analysis | Champions League 2024/25

Arne Slot’s Liverpool have been in amazing form, winning 16 of their first 18 games under his leadership. With their high press and tactical discipline, Liverpool are ready to face a Real Madrid side struggling with injuries. Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid comes into the match missing key players, including Vinícius Jr., Rodrygo, Militão, Alaba, and Carvajal. Despite the injuries, Ancelotti fields a strong side with youth players stepping up to the challenge.

Liverpool vs Real Madrid Lineups

Real Madrid Starting XI

Carlo Ancelotti’s lineup has been significantly altered by injuries, forcing him to make some tactical adjustments. In defense, he will rely on Mendy, Rüdiger, and Valverde alongside 21-year-old Raúl Asencio, who makes his start in a high-stakes match.

In midfield, the combination of Bellingham, Camavinga, and Modrić offers a balance of youth, energy, and experience. In attack, Kylian Mbappé starts on the left wing for the first time this season, playing in his natural position due to Vinícius Jr.’s absence. Alongside him, Brahim Díaz plays as a striker, out of his usual role, and Arda Güler makes his first-ever start in the Champions League, on the right flank.

Liverpool Starting XI

Arne Slot has kept his faith in his in-form side, despite the absence of key players. With Alisson injured, Kelleher steps in between the sticks. The defensive line features Robertson, Van Dijk, Konaté, and Conor Bradley, who replaces Alexander-Arnold, who just got back from Injury.

In midfield, the tireless work of Mac Allister, Gravenberch, and Curtis Jones has been a hallmark of Liverpool’s success this season. Gravenberch and Jones have been particularly crucial, providing high work rates and a significant presence in the build-up play, enabling Liverpool’s offensive flow.

Upfront, the usual trio of Luis Díaz, Darwin Núñez, and Mo Salah lead the attack, with Salah continuing to be a key player in Slot’s system.

Liverpool vs Real Madrid: First Half Summary

As the first half of the Liverpool vs Real Madrid game unfolded, we saw two teams with contrasting styles on display. Liverpool, under Arne Slot, dominated possession, holding 66% of the ball, as they attempted to break down Real Madrid’s compact 4-4-2 defensive block. The high press was evident, with Núñez leading the charge, forcing mistakes and limiting Madrid’s space to build from the back. However, despite their dominance in possession and a higher xG (0.46), they struggled to create clear chances, with Courtois making a couple of key saves, including a close-range attempt from Núñez.

On the other hand, Real Madrid appeared happy to soak up pressure, letting Liverpool control the ball in the midfield, while Camavinga played a key role, often intercepting the ball and immediately looking to transition forward. With only 34% of possession and an xG of just 0.12, Madrid was more clinical in their approach, staying compact defensively while looking for the counter-attack. Mbappé was consistently involved, with his first-time playing on the left wing due to Vinícius Jr.’s injury, and the team’s focus was on exploiting Liverpool’s high defensive line, especially with the skill of Bellingham and Camavinga and Modric looking for openings.

Liverpool’s build-up play was well organised, especially through Gravenberch, who was often the first midfielder to receive the ball from the defenders. However, the Madrid defense was difficult to break down, especially with Rüdiger and Acensio putting in solid performances at the back. Robertson, who was previously an attacking threat with Diaz, struggled to find space as Madrid’s defensive line remained organized, often pulling back to prevent the overlapping runs.

While Liverpool created more chances (3 shots on target vs. Madrid’s 0), Madrid’s defense held firm, and despite Liverpool’s 33 final third entries compared to Madrid’s 19, it was clear that Slot needs to find a solution to break Madrid’s defensive setup in the second half.

Liverpool vs Real Madrid: Second Half Summary

The second half of Liverpool vs Real Madrid began with Liverpool increasing their already aggressive pressing strategy. Slot’s tactical adjustments, encouraging even higher pressure and wider attacking roles, started to pay dividends. Real Madrid’s compact 4-4-2 defensive block began to show cracks, as Liverpool looked to exploit the wings through Bradley and Robertson.

In the 52nd minute, Liverpool finally broke the deadlock. A quick combination that started on the left with Luis Diaz saw Mac Allister receive the ball back from Bradley, penetrate the Madrid defense, and calmly slot it past Courtois into the bottom left corner. This marked the turning point, with Liverpool’s relentless pressure overcoming Madrid’s defensive organization.

Madrid responded with substitutions, introducing Lucas Vázquez and Dani Ceballos, and shifting to a more attacking approach. However, they missed a golden opportunity in the 59th minute, when Mbappé’s penalty, awarded after a light foul by Robertson on Vázquez, was brilliantly saved by Kelleher, keeping Liverpool in the lead.

Slot’s high-pressure tactics continued to stifle Madrid, with Liverpool recovering possession quickly and forcing mistakes. Madrid’s reliance on counter-attacks became more apparent, but Konaté and Bradley were exceptional in containing the likes of Mbappé. Meanwhile, Gakpo’s introduction for Núñez in the 67th minute added fresh energy to Liverpool’s attack, with Díaz moving centrally to act as the striker.

Liverpool doubled their lead in the 76th minute. A short corner routine between Robertson and Curtis Jones ended with Robertson delivering a precise cross into the box. Gakpo, left unmarked, headed the ball past Courtois, sealing a crucial second goal.

Despite trailing, Madrid continued to push forward, introducing the young talent Endrick in the 79th minute for additional firepower. However, Liverpool’s defensive structure held firm, with Mac Allister and Konaté putting in vital contributions both defensively and offensively. Kelleher remained solid in goal, making critical saves in the final moments, including a powerful effort from Mbappé in the 88th minute.

As the Liverpool vs Real Madrid game approached its conclusion, Anfield erupted in support of Arne Slot, with fans singing his name in recognition of his tactical brilliance and the team’s relentless energy. Liverpool ended the game in control, still pressing high despite their 2-0 lead, and showing no signs of complacency.

Conclusion

With a possession share of 63-37, an xG of 2.53 to 1.24, and a dominant 7 shots on target compared to Madrid’s 3, Liverpool’s high-pressure strategy and attacking depth earned them a well-deserved victory against a tough opponent in the Liverpool vs Real Madrid Champions League clash.