Arne Slot continues to excel as Liverpool manager, and now he faces one of football’s ultimate challenges: taking on the European powerhouse, Real Madrid.
The Dutchman acknowledges the resilience of the reigning champions, a team renowned for its ability to turn games around under pressure.
Liverpool currently lead the Premier League, with only Nottingham Forest managing to take three points from them in domestic play this season.
In Europe, the Reds have been flawless, defeating AC Milan, Bologna, RB Leipzig, and Bayer Leverkusen to sit atop the Champions League standings with a perfect record.
However, a major test looms with the arrival of Real Madrid at Anfield. The 15-time European champions, led by the competition’s most decorated manager, Carlo Ancelotti, have built a reputation for always finding a way to win. Their resilience was on full display in previous campaigns, including their 2022 triumph, where they defeated Liverpool in the final.
Reflecting on Madrid’s unmatched tenacity, Slot said, “At my former club, I often mentioned how Madrid always finds a way to win. They have so much quality, and even when games are tough, they still manage to secure victory. That’s one of the reasons they’ve won this tournament so many times.”
Slot emphasized the importance of staying vigilant until the final whistle, especially against Madrid. “If we’re fortunate enough to lead by a goal or more, we know the game isn’t over until it’s officially done. It’s always like this in football, but it feels especially true when facing Real Madrid,” he added.
Liverpool’s last encounter with Real Madrid at Anfield, during the 2022-23 season, serves as a stark reminder of their opponent’s determination. Despite an early two-goal lead, Liverpool fell 5-2 on the night and 6-2 on aggregate in the last-16 tie.
The Reds haven’t beaten Madrid since 2009, enduring two final defeats among eight winless encounters. Slot has the opportunity to achieve something Jurgen Klopp couldn’t—defeating Real Madrid as Liverpool manager.
This season’s Real Madrid is navigating changes, including the arrival of Kylian Mbappé and the absence of injured star Vinicius Jr. Despite their formidable squad, Madrid have lost two of their four Champions League games this season. Jude Bellingham, who was heavily linked with Liverpool before his move to Madrid, will make his Anfield debut tonight.
Bellingham, however, won’t face close friend Trent Alexander-Arnold at full strength. The Liverpool right-back, recovering from a hamstring injury, isn’t fit to start but could feature later in the game.
When asked about the possibility of Alexander-Arnold joining Madrid next season, given his contract situation at Liverpool, Bellingham chose to remain diplomatic.
“He’s a Liverpool player, and it would be disrespectful to come to his home, especially with a big game ahead, and comment on something that could be misconstrued,” said Bellingham, deflecting speculation about his England teammate’s future.
Leave a Reply