Real Madrid News
Official: Real Madrid starting lineup against Liverpool | UEFA Champions League
Real Madrid will play one of their toughest fixtures of the season so far tonight when they take on Liverpool at Anfield in the UEFA Champions League.
The Merengues have been very solid so far under Xabi Alonso, losing just one match in all competitions, and will be gunning to extend that run tonight.
Ahead of kickoff in Merseyside, Real Madrid boss Alonso, who will experience a special occasion back at Anfield, has announced the starting XI that will face Arne Slot’s men.
And, as expected, there is only one change made to the lineup that started against Valencia this past weekend in La Liga.
Indeed, Eduardo Camavinga steps into the starting lineup for Real Madrid, replacing Franco Mastantuono, who is out with pubalgia. It is expected that the Frenchman will feature on the right flank, like he did in the Clasico win vs Barcelona.
Meanwhile, there is no start for Trent Alexander-Arnold on his return to Liverpool as Alonso has opted to go with Federico Valverde at right-back again.
Dean Huijsen and Eder Militao form the centre-back pairing and Alvaro Carreras starts at left-back, completing the defence that will shield Thibaut Courtois in goal.
As for the midfield, Aurelien Tchouameni holds the fort as the deepest in the centre of the park, while Arda Guler and Jude Bellingham will be tasked with providing the creativity and attacking impetus.
Vinicius Jr. and Kylian Mbappe continue their partnership in attack.
📋✅ ¡Nuestro XI inicial!
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) November 4, 2025
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Real Madrid News
Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr. admits finishing problem after another frustrating night vs Elche: ‘Can’t miss that much’
Vinicius Jr.’s difficult start in front of goal continued against Elche, and the Real Madrid forward did not need anyone to tell him he had missed another chance to make the difference.
The Brazilian finished the night without a goal despite having chances to get on the scoresheet, while his teammates could only watch from the bench as opportunities went begging.
Jose Mourinho had already identified the problem before kick-off, bluntly pointing to the issue facing his forward, stating, “He’s missing the goal.”
Vini offered an equally frank assessment afterwards.
Rather than hide from another frustrating evening, he accepted responsibility on social media: “The goals will come back; I can’t miss that much…”
Two chances, no finish for Vinicius
Vinicius had two particularly clear openings against Elche, but neither produced the finish Real Madrid needed from their star forward.
The first arrived when he found himself one-on-one with the opposition goalkeeper.
Instead of finding the net, Vinicius caught the ball with the tip of his foot and sent his effort wide. Arda Guler was available during the move and called for the ball, but Vini backed himself to finish the chance.
He had another opportunity after the interval, this time following an excellent pass from Guler during a quick Real Madrid transition. Again, though, Vinicius could not find the target.
His evening ended in the 68th minute, with Mourinho deciding the Brazilian was tired and turning his attention towards Sunday’s Atletico Madrid derby.
Mourinho has a bigger decision to make
The numbers show why Vinicius’ finishing has become a talking point. He managed five shots against Elche, but only one was on target and none found the net.
After seven appearances this season, the Brazilian has scored just once, which is a striking return for a player Real Madrid rely upon to provide a major share of their attacking threat.
Ultimately, though, Real Madrid found another route to victory, with Arda Guler, Kylian Mbappe and Carlos Espi providing the goals in the 3-2 comeback.
