Liverpool vs Real Madrid LIVE: team news from Anfield ahead of huge Champions League clash

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Liverpool hosts Real Madrid at Anfield in today’s much-anticipated Champions League encounter. Stay up to date with all the latest news from Anfield via our live news blog.18:22Liam CorlessMadrid fans mock RedsReal Madrid's fans have been mocking Liverpool outside Anfield over Trent Alexander-Arnold's decision to quit the Reds in favor of a move to the Bernabeu in the summer.

The midfielder was forced to sit out the last two matches, but has recovered in time for the Real Madrid encounter.Latest from Liverpool training on Alexander Isak and Curtis Jones (Image: Getty Images)14:25Michael PlantSlot aware of Real threatIn Arne Slot’s pre-match notes, the Dutchman said he does not underestimate the quality of Real Madrid’s side but added he will not be “intimidated” by the Spanish giants.“Real are top of La Liga having won 10 games out of 11 and they also have a 100 per cent record in the Champions League so they are clearly in top form,” he wrote in the matchday programe.“This record should not and will not intimidate us, but it does inform us in terms of the need for us to be at our best. After a difficult run, Saturday was a step in the right direction and now we want to continue moving forward so it makes sense that we view tonight's game as another chance to keep on doing that.” Liverpool head coach Arne Slot speaking during a Champions League press conference (Image: Getty Images)14:10Michael Plant'These are the nights you live for'Virgil van Dijk has said Liverpool wants to give Real Madrid a “tough evening” when the 15-time European champions travel to Anfield.“Saturday was a step in the right direction, for sure, but now we need to follow that up with another big performance in a big game,” the defender wrote in the matchday program.“And games don't come much bigger than Real Madrid at Anfield in the Champions League.

(Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images) (Image: Getty Images)12:27Michael PlantPositive update12:26Michael PlantAlexander-Arnold mural defacedSadly, there’s only place to start, and Trent Alexander-Arnold’s mural outside Anfield has been vandalized on the morning of the game. The word “rat” was sprayed onto the image, and white paint was thrown on the wall.Trent Alexander-Arnold's mural at Anfield was defaced ahead of Liverpool vs Real Madrid12:20Michael PlantA titanic tussle awaitsLiverpool vs Real Madrid promises to be one of the most eagerly anticipated games of the season, and keep up to date with our live blog as we bring you the latest ahead of the big game.