Champions League feud continues: Anfield s offensive and defensive game, can Liverpool break Real Madrid s curse?

At 4 o'clock in the morning on November 5, the fourth round of the Champions League group stage will usher in the peak showdown - Liverpool will face Real Madrid at Anfield Stadium. This pair of old enemies in the Champions League reunited again. On one side was the Red Army, which was eager to end its decline at home, and on the other side was the Galaxy Battleship who came with the momentum of six consecutive victories. This contest, which has both historical grudges and qualifying weight, is destined to be full of suspense.

State Contrast: Red Army Soul Awakening vs. Galaxy Cruise

The recent competitive states of the two teams have shown a sharp contrast. Real Madrid is in the best rhythm of the season, winning six consecutive games in all competitions and leading the first three rounds of the Champions League group stage. Bellingham's midfield connection perfectly echoes Mbappe's forward impact. The offensive and defensive system has become increasingly mature under Alonso's training. More importantly, Real Madrid's lineup is basically intact except for Alaba's injury. Courtois has continued to contribute impressive saves after returning from injury. The central defender partnership of Rudiger and Militao is full of stability.

Liverpool has just taken a breather from the trough of the season. Six defeats in seven games from the end of September to the end of October put the team under tremendous pressure. Although the 2-0 victory over Villa in the last round of the Premier League ended the losing streak, both goals were due to errors by the opponent, and the real firepower on the offensive end is still in doubt. What's even more fatal is that the team is deeply troubled by injuries and new aids: Leoni, who was introduced for 31 million euros, is out for the season, Frimpong, who was introduced for 40 million euros, has suffered a recurring hamstring injury, Isaac, the 140 million euro tenderer, has been sidelined for a long time due to a groin injury. The investment of the three major new players in total, which exceeds 200 million euros, is almost in vain, and the rotation of the defense and forwards is almost paralyzed.

Tactical Game: High Position Frenzy vs. Precise Counterattack

The collision at the tactical level will determine the winner of the game. Liverpool will most likely continue its iconic 433 formation and high-pressing style. Even if Salah is injured, he will be the core of the offensive and defensive transition. The fanatical atmosphere of Anfield may become the team's "twelfth man", but the problem of gaps caused by uneven defense personnel may become a fatal hazard. Slaughter's team urgently needs to provide firepower to the front line through midfield connection, otherwise a simple "mad dog pressing" will easily be penetrated by the opponent's defense.

Real Madrid may use a flexible 442 formation to respond, which has both control and counterattack efficiency. Chuameni's midfielder interception and Bellingham's forward finishing form the midfield duo, while the combination of Mbappe and Vinicius' side speed can be called the "natural enemy" of Liverpool's defense - the former's key passing and the latter's assault ability, specializing in capturing the counterattack space left by the high press. Alonso is well versed in Anfield's battle rhythm. Real Madrid will most likely use tactics of shrinking the defense and quick transitions to neutralize the Red Army's home momentum.

Key highlights and historical destiny

Many details of this showdown hide the password for victory or defeat. The referee factor is particularly attracting attention. Romanian referee Kovac has officiated Real Madrid's three wins in four games before, but Liverpool lost all of them under his whistle. In the 2023 Champions League top 16 game, which he officiated, Real Madrid defeated the Red Army 5-2. At the player level, Salah's inward shot and Mbappe's wing breakthrough will have a direct dialogue. The goalkeeper duel between Courtois and Kelleher is also worth looking forward to. The latter once saved Mbappe's penalty kick.

Historical confrontation records show that Real Madrid has an absolute advantage, with only 1 draw and 7 losses in the past 8 games against Liverpool. Even if the Red Army won 2-0 at home last season, it is still difficult to change the pattern of long-term suppression. Now Real Madrid is taking revenge on the road with its six-game winning streak, and Liverpool needs to break the psychological curse. This early final of the Champions League group stage may rewrite the group qualifying pattern.

The lights of Anfield are about to turn on. When the cry of the Red Army meets Real Madrid's Champions League DNA, will Liverpool escape its fate by using the power of home court, or will the Galacticos continue their dominance? The answer will be revealed in the early morning offensive and defensive battle.

Today’s selection: 006 loss + 023 win