Matches
Valverde, Camavinga start in a 4-3-3 – How Real Madrid can line up against Liverpool
Real Madrid are preparing for one of their most daunting European tests yet, which is a trip to Anfield to face Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League group stage.
Anfield’s electric atmosphere has famously unsettled even the most seasoned teams, but under Xabi Alonso, Los Blancos arrive with a sense of confidence that feels unmistakably different.
The Spanish giants are not without problems, though. Alonso must go through the fixture without three of his most experienced defenders, namely, Dani Carvajal, Antonio Rudiger, and David Alaba.
Apart from this, young attacking prospect Franco Mastantuono continues his recovery from pubalgia.
Even with these setbacks, Madrid’s form in Europe has been impeccable. They have won all three of their group-stage matches so far, brushing aside Juventus, Kairat Almaty, and Marseille.
Interestingly, recent meetings between Real Madrid and Liverpool have rarely ended without drama.
There has not been a draw in any of the last four clashes between the two sides, and remarkably, Liverpool themselves have gone 29 consecutive European group-stage matches without sharing the points.
Notably, last season, Liverpool claimed a 2-0 victory, but this is a very different Real Madrid side.
On that note, let’s take a look at how Real Madrid could line up against the Premier League champions.
Defence
There is no debate between the posts. Thibaut Courtois remains the undisputed No.1 for Real Madrid.
While Andriy Lunin continues to be a capable backup, Alonso is unlikely to experiment in such a high-stakes encounter.
With Dani Carvajal unavailable, Federico Valverde is expected to fill in at right-back once again.
The Uruguayan midfielder has adapted admirably to the role, offering defensive solidity while still contributing in attack.
While Trent Alexander-Arnold is fit, we assume that Alonso might want to prevent his summer signing from the Anfield hostilities.
At centre-back, Dean Huijsen and Eder Militao are set to continue their partnership, a combination that has shown promise in recent weeks.
On the left, Alvaro Carreras has made himself undroppable, particularly after his standout performance and goal against Valencia.
Midfield
The midfield battle could define this match. Aurelien Tchouameni is certain to anchor the centre of the pitch, providing stability and balance.
Ahead of him, Jude Bellingham and Arda Guler will take on creative duties, alternating between central and attacking roles depending on the flow of play.
Eduardo Camavinga is also likely to reprise his tactical role on the right, drifting infield as needed, a ploy Alonso successfully used against Barcelona during the 2-1 win.
Attack
In attack, the duo of Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr. speaks for itself. Mbappe has already scored 18 goals in just 14 matches this season and continues to be Real Madrid’s deadliest weapon.
Vinicius, meanwhile, looks rejuvenated under Alonso’s leadership, regaining the confidence and flair that once made him unstoppable.
Despite reports of a brief disagreement between the Brazilian and his manager, Alonso’s trust in him has not wavered.
With Real Madrid in strong form and Liverpool getting back to winning ways, Anfield is bracing itself for a European classic.
Goals, intensity, and high drama feel almost guaranteed when these two meet again.
Real Madrid will lock horns with Elche CF away at Estadio Manuel Martinez Valero later tonight in Matchday 6 of the 2026/27 La Liga season.
The Merengues are currently second in the league standings with four wins and one defeat from five games, three points behind Barcelona, who are yet to drop a single point this term, and have looked unstoppable.
Given the situation, Real Madrid know there is no room for slip-up, even though it is still very early in the season.
Jose Mourinho’s men have not been particularly convincing away from home this term, having just about managed to beat RCD Espanyol in their opening match before falling to their only defeat of the campaign against Real Betis.
The hope will be to address that issue and put in a strong performance while collecting all three points heading into the derby against Atletico Madrid later in the week.
Going into the match, Los Blancos have not received any new fitness boosts, with Eder Militao, Rodrygo Goes, and Ferland Mendy still unavailable.
However, there will likely be some rotations with an eye on the derby, and here’s how Mourinho could set his team up against Elche tonight.
Defence
Trent Alexander-Arnold has had to share minutes with summer signing Denzel Dumfries so far this season, but will be hoping to make the right-back spot his own with a convincing performance tonight against Elche.
Meanwhile, on the left, Alvaro Carreras is expected to retain his place after a brilliant display at the weekend against Rayo Vallecano, which would also allow Marc Cucurella to be protected before the derby.
At centre-back, Dean Huijsen is expected to return to the starting lineup, at the expense of Antonio Rudiger, and partner with Ibrahima Konate.
Thibaut Courtois is the undisputed starter in goal for Real Madrid and will continue his search for a second clean sheet this season.
Midfield
While Aurelien Tchouameni has returned from his injury layoff, he is unlikely to be rushed back by Mourinho. As such, the Frenchman is likely to feature off the bench once again tonight at Elche.
Instead, the double pivot pairing of Federico Valverde and Bernardo Silva is expected to take the field once again, with Eduardo Camavinga also having to settle for a spot among the substitutes.
Jude Bellingham has started all of Real Madrid’s matches so far this season and given his form and importance to the team, Mourinho will not rotate him tonight against Elche.
Attack
Yan Diomande made his first start at Real Madrid last weekend against Rayo Vallecano but failed to make the best impression.
Meanwhile, Arda Guler was once again brilliant for Los Blancos after coming on as a substitute, making a strong case for him to be reinstated to the starting XI on the right wing.
As for the left side of the attack, Vinicius Jr. will retain his place, hoping to find his best form after a rather slow start to the campaign.
Kylian Mbappe, who has now scored six goals in La Liga this season, will spearhead the attack, hoping to end his run of seven months without scoring away from home in the league.
