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Tag: liverpool

  • UCL: What to know as Liverpool welcome Real Madrid

    UCL: What to know as Liverpool welcome Real Madrid

    After drawing criticism for fielding a youthful, second-string lineup in the EFL Cup defeat to Crystal Palace, Liverpool manager Arne Slot had no choice but to deliver a statement victory against Aston Villa in the Premier League. Failure to do so would have only intensified speculation about his future at Anfield.

    Under pressure to halt a worrying run of results, the Dutchman avoided unwanted history—he could have become the first Liverpool boss to lose five straight Premier League games. Instead, he saw his team respond with a spirited performance. Mohamed Salah’s landmark 250th goal for the club set the tone before Ryan Gravenberch’s deflected effort sealed a much-needed 2–0 win on Merseyside.

    While Aston Villa contributed to their own downfall with defensive lapses, Liverpool’s individual and collective improvement was evident. The victory marked just their second win in eight matches across all competitions, signaling a potential turning point after a turbulent spell.

    One of those two wins came in Europe, where Liverpool thrashed Eintracht Frankfurt 5–1 on matchday three of the Champions League. That result lifted them into the top 10 of the league-phase standings, narrowly outside the automatic qualification spots for the last 16 on goal difference.

    However, consistency remains elusive. A poor showing against Galatasaray followed that Frankfurt triumph, before the Reds edged Atlético Madrid 3–2 at Anfield—a result that extended their remarkable run of 15 straight home victories in European group-stage or league-phase matches.

    Liverpool’s European record has been a mixed bag in recent seasons. Last term, Paris Saint-Germain ended their hopes of continental glory, but before that, the Reds famously beat Real Madrid 2–0 at Anfield to snap an eight-game losing streak against the Spanish giants.

    Both Carlo Ancelotti and Xabi Alonso have tasted defeat at Anfield in recent years—Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen side suffered a 4–0 thrashing in 2024—but Real Madrid’s current form under Ancelotti suggests they will arrive full of confidence.

    The Spanish champions have been near-flawless this season, winning 13 of their 14 matches in all competitions. Their only blemish remains a stunning 5–2 loss to Atlético Madrid. In Europe, they have swept aside Marseille, Kairat, and Juventus to make it three wins from three, while domestically, they lead the La Liga title race following a dramatic El Clasico victory over Barcelona and a 4–0 rout of Valencia.

    Despite being fifth among the Champions League’s perfect starters due to an inferior goal difference compared to PSG, Bayern Munich, Inter Milan, and Arsenal, Real Madrid’s pedigree in Europe speaks for itself. Recent history has shown that underestimating Los Blancos on the continental stage is a mistake few survive to repeat.

    Liverpool Champions League form:

    W L W

    Liverpool form (all competitions):

    L L W L L W

    Real Madrid Champions League form:

    W W W

    Real Madrid form (all competitions):

    W W W W W W

    Liverpool possible starting lineup:

    Mamardashvili; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Gakpo; Ekitike

    Read Also: Liverpool held meeting after Man Utd loss – Van Dijk

    Real Madrid possible starting lineup:

    Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Militao, Huijsen, Carreras; Valverde, Tchouameni; Guler, Bellingham, Vinicius Jr; Mbappe

    What Time Does Liverpool vs. Real Madrid Kick Off?

    Location: Liverpool, England

    Stadium: Anfield

    Date: Tuesday, Nov. 4

    Kick-off Time: 8 p.m. GMT / 4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT

    Referee: István Kovács (ROU)

    VAR: Bastian Dankert (GER)

    Bet Tip

    Both Teams To Score
    Over 1.5 

  • Liverpool held meeting after Man Utd loss – Van Dijk

    Liverpool held meeting after Man Utd loss – Van Dijk

    Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk says he called a players’ meeting following their defeat by Manchester United on Sunday – but insisted it was not a “crisis” summit.

    Sunday’s 2-1 loss to United at Anfield was Liverpool’s fourth straight defeat.

    It left the Reds joint third in the Premier League, four points behind leaders Arsenal.

    While Van Dijk acknowledged the mood was “low” at the club’s Kirkby training ground on Monday, he said it was an opportunity for the squad to get together to speak openly about their recent form.

    “On Monday, everyone was sad because we lost to United at home. We haven’t lost many games at home during my time at Liverpool,” Van Dijk told reporters.

    “It was tough under the circumstances so on Monday we came together, but it wasn’t a crisis meeting. We all know how things can change. We’re only in October.

    “Obviously, we also had a proper debrief with the manager but we also had a separate one as players. I wanted to say some things. It’s not something I do after every game. Let’s keep it that way.”

    Liverpool ended their losing run on Wednesday with an emphatic 5-1 win at German side Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League.

    Mohamed Salah was dropped from Arne Slot’s starting line-up, as Hugo Ekitike, Van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Dominik Szoboszlai and Cody Gakpo scored in Liverpool’s first victory in a month.

    “The only way to get out of a situation like that is to stay together, keep your mind on the task ahead, try to improve, keep the confidence, embrace the moment. They are all things that are easier to say than actually do. But if you want to get out of it, you have to do it,” said Van Dijk, speaking after the win in Germany.

    “We live in a world now where there is always noise, always something to be said, always someone who knows better. We have to stay focused on ourselves.

    “Before my meeting, yes (the mood was low) but after my meeting, everyone was happy!”

    Liverpool’s victory was marred by injuries to defender Jeremie Frimpong and Alexander Isak.

    Netherlands international Frimpong was substituted in the first half with a hamstring problem, while Isak was removed at half-time with a groin strain.

    The Reds’ next Premier League game is at Brentford on Saturday at 20:00 BST.

    BBC

  • UCL: Liverpool humble Frankfurt 5-1 to end losing streak

    UCL: Liverpool humble Frankfurt 5-1 to end losing streak

    Hugo Ekitike netted against his old side as Liverpool stormed back from an early setback to crush Eintracht Frankfurt in a commanding Champions League display, ending their four-game losing streak in emphatic fashion.

    The Reds had begun the season with seven straight wins in all competitions but had recently stumbled, suffering four successive defeats—including a disheartening loss to rivals Manchester United in the Premier League.

    Early signs in Germany suggested their poor form might continue, with former Leeds defender Rasmus Kristensen putting Frankfurt ahead. However, Liverpool responded with intensity.

    Read Also: Liverpool 1-2 Man United: Maguire’s winner ends nine-year Anfield drought

    Ekitike, making his first start alongside club-record signing Alexander Isak, levelled the score ten minutes before half-time. He latched onto a superb long ball from Andy Robertson and calmly slotted home.

    Liverpool then seized control, with Virgil van Dijk heading in from a corner just four minutes later. Ibrahima Konaté added a third right before the break, also converting from a corner.

    Despite Ekitike and Isak only playing together for the first 45 minutes—Isak did not return for the second half—the Reds showed no signs of slowing down.

    Cody Gakpo made it 4-1 with a tidy finish from Florian Wirtz’s assist, before Dominik Szoboszlai capped off the night with a stunning long-range strike, once again set up by Wirtz, sealing a statement win and restoring confidence in Jürgen Klopp’s squad.

  • EPL: Maguire’s late goal seals Man United 2-1 victory over Liverpool

    EPL: Maguire’s late goal seals Man United 2-1 victory over Liverpool

    Cameroon forward Bryan Mbeumo was on the scoresheet, but it was Harry Maguire’s late goal that secured a 2-1 win for Manchester United over arch-rivals Liverpool at Anfield in Sunday’s Premier League clash.

    Mbeumo wasted no time in making an impact, doubling his season tally just 63 seconds into the match and putting early pressure on Arne Slot’s Liverpool side.

    Read Also: EPL: Fernandes, Casemiro fire ten-man United to victory over Chelsea

    Cody Gakpo pulled the hosts level in the 78th minute with a well-taken finish, but Manchester United regained the lead six minutes later as Harry Maguire struck in the 84th minute to seal all three points for the visitors.

    The result marks Liverpool’s fourth straight defeat, extending their recent poor run of form.

  • BREAKING: Crystal Palace sink Liverpool in last-minute winner

    BREAKING: Crystal Palace sink Liverpool in last-minute winner

    Crystal Palace stunned Premier League leaders Liverpool with a 2-1 victory at Selhurst Park, sealed by Eddie Nketiah’s stoppage-time strike.

    Ismaila Sarr opened the scoring for the hosts, before Federico Chiesa grabbed an 87th-minute equaliser for Liverpool.

    Read Also: EPL: Brighton beat 10-man Chelsea 3-1 in dramatic comeback win

    However, Nketiah’s late finish ensured Palace took all three points, ending Liverpool’s five-match winning run and moving the Eagles up to second in the table.

  • EPL: Liverpool defeat Everton in Merseyside Derby

    EPL: Liverpool defeat Everton in Merseyside Derby

    Liverpool made it five wins from five as their flawless start to their defence of the Premier League crown continued with victory in the Merseyside derby against Everton at Anfield.

    Arne Slot’s side established early control when Ryan Gravenberch’s clever lofted finish from Mohamed Salah’s pass put Liverpool ahead after 10 minutes.

    Gravenberch turned provider just before the half-hour mark when he played on Hugo Ekitike to beat Everton keeper Jordan Pickford with a low shot.

    Liverpool illustrated the strength of their squad by leaving Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak, two summer signings worth a combined total of £241m, on the bench until the second half.

    Everton improved as the game went on, pulling a goal back after 58 minutes when Jack Grealish’s cross found Iliman Ndiaye at the far post and he set up Idrissa Gueye for a powerful rising drive that left Liverpool keeper Alisson helpless.

  • UCL: Last-gasp Liverpool beat Atletico after spurning lead

    UCL: Last-gasp Liverpool beat Atletico after spurning lead

    Liverpool delivered another dramatic late twist as they opened their Champions League campaign with victory over Atletico Madrid at Anfield.

    Alexander Isak made his eagerly awaited Liverpool introduction but it looked as though Arne Slot’s side would be disappointed as Atletico came from 2-0 down to level, only for Virgil van Dijk to head a stoppage time winner.

    It was an established superstar rather than Liverpool’s new faces who provided the inspiration, with Mohamed Salah instrumental as the Premier League champions went 2-0 up inside six minutes.

    Salah’s free-kick took a decisive deflection off Andrew Robertson to wrong-foot Atletico keeper Jan Oblak after four minutes, before the Egyptian finished off an exchange with Ryan Gravenberch by sliding home a smooth finish.

    Read Also: Liverpool 28.9% likely to win Premier League this season

    Atletico pulled one back in first-half stoppage time when Marcos Llorente poked a low shot under keeper Alisson as Liverpool appealed for offside.

    The tiring Isak was substituted after 58 minutes as Liverpool continued to dominate and Salah should have added a third, only to strike the post in front of The Kop following good work by Florian Wirtz.

    Llorente, who scored twice when Atletico won a Champions League last-16 game at Anfield in March 2020, repeated the trick with a volley that deflected off Alexis Mac Allister nine minutes from time.

    Liverpool were not to be denied though and, as in their four Premier League wins this season, they did it again with the clock running down as Van Dijk rose to power home a corner in front of a jubilant Kop.

    In the mayhem that followed, Atletico coach Diego Simeone was shown a red card after appearing to get involved in an altercation with supporters behind his technical area.

    BBC

  • Liverpool 28.9% likely to win Premier League this season

    Liverpool 28.9% likely to win Premier League this season

    Liverpool are most likely to be crowned Premier League champions this season, a research group has said.

    Arne Slot led the Reds to the 2024-25 title in his first season in charge as they finished 10 points clear of second-placed Arsenal.

    And now, the CIES (International Centre for Sports Studies) Football Observatory, has said Liverpool have the highest probability of lifting the trophy again, with a 28.9% chance.

    Arsenal are given a 18.8% chance of winning the title, while Chelsea (16.2%) rank third – ahead of 10-time champions Manchester City on 14.4%.

    Manchester United, the most successful team in Premier League history, are given a 2.6% chance of winning their first crown since the 20213-14 season.

    Celtic are 63.3% likely to win the Scottish Premiership again, with rivals Rangers having a 28.9% probability despite enduring their worst league start since 1983.

    In Spain’s La Liga, Real Madrid (40.6%) are most likely to reclaim the trophy, with Barcelona given a 29.6% chance of defending their title.

    Read Also: Man City and Premier League settle dispute over sponsorship rules

    Bayern Munich stand out as Bundesliga favourites in Germany on 61.4%, ahead of Borussia Dortmund (8.8%).

    In Serie A, the top three are Inter Milan (25.6%), Juventus (18.2%) and Napoli (17.4%).

    Paris St-Germain, meanwhile, are 73.0% likely to win a fifth straight Ligue 1 title in France.

    The CIES Football Observatory have developed a statistical model for predicting which clubs will win the title in 29 leagues.

    The model combines sporting, economic and demographic variables, taking several factors into account – such as passes into the final third and transfer fees .

    Out of the 29 leagues, Crvena Zvezda in Serbia have the highest likelihood of winning the title with a 76.2% chance.

  • Liverpool agree British record £125m fee for Isak

    Liverpool agree British record £125m fee for Isak

    Liverpool have agreed a British transfer record fee of £125m to sign striker Alexander Isak from Newcastle United.

    Sources close to the deal have told BBC Sport that an agreement for the Sweden international to move to Anfield is now in place.

    Newcastle sources claim the deal could be worth as much as £130m with add-ons.

    Isak is expected to have a medical on Monday before signing a six-year contract.

    Liverpool had an original £110m offer rejected in August but are now set to land their first-choice target of the summer.

    The protracted saga involving the 25-year-old appears set to come to an end on the final day of the transfer window, and it follows Newcastle having signed striker Nick Woltemade from Stuttgart last week.

    Liverpool have already broken their club transfer record this summer by signing Germany attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz in a deal worth an initial £100m, with a further £16m in add-ons.

    Isak’s arrival would top that outlay. After also bringing in Hugo Ekitike, Milos Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong, Giorgi Mamardashvili, Armin Pecsi and Giovanni Leoni, the deal would take the club’s spending to about £416.2m without add-on fees – the highest total in Premier League history.

    Read Also: Sweden call up Isak despite  standoff with Newcastle

    It is only the second time that an English side has shelled out more than £400m in a single summer, following Chelsea’s £401.2m outlay in 2023.

    Liverpool could still add to the spree, with the Reds working on a deal to sign England defender Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace.

    Meanwhile, the departures of Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez, Jarell Quansah, Caoimhin Kelleher, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Tyler Morton and Ben Doak have recouped an initial amount of about £190m.

    BBC

  • Liverpool edge  Arsenal via Szoboszlai’s stunner

    Liverpool edge  Arsenal via Szoboszlai’s stunner

    Champions Liverpool struck an early-season title blow against rivals Arsenal in a 1-0 Premier League victory at Anfield on Sunday thanks to Dominik Szoboszlai’s stunning free kick in the dying minutes.

    Szoboszlai struck in the 83rd  minute after Martin Zubimendi’s costly foul on Curtis Jones, unleashing a shot from 25 yards out that ricocheted in off the inside of the post, which had the Liverpool fans chanting “Champions!”

    Read Also: 2026 World Cup: NFF wants FIFA to speed up action on South Africa’s issue

    With both teams winning their opening two games, the afternoon was a chance to set an early tone for the season, but it appeared to be heading for a goalless draw in a game billed as a battle between titans.

    Liverpool’s summer signing Hugo Ekitike thought he had broken the deadlock in the second half when he bundled in the ball after goalkeeper David Raya fumbled Florian Wirtz’s shot. But VAR showed Cody Gakpo was offside in the build-up.