4 key battles that could decide Liverpool vs Real Madrid

Wednesday night brings one of the most glamorous ties in European football when Liverpool entertain Real Madrid at Anfield in the Champions League.

The Reds and Los Blancos have squared off in some huge matches in recent years, with the Spanish giants coming out on top in two finals in the modern era. However, Arne Slot's team have the chance to further cement their standing as one of the best teams on the continent when an injury-riddled Madrid visit Merseyside.

Here are the main battles which could decide which way the game swings on Wednesday evening.

Virgil van Dijk vs Kylian Mbappe

Who doesn't love it when the very best of the best go head-to-head in the Champions League?

Virgil van Dijk has been back at his best in 2024/25 so far but squaring off against Kylian Mbappe, whether in or out of form, is probably the biggest test in the game today.

Vinicius Junior's injury means Mbappe will attack whichever way he wants. That freedom usually works to the France captain's advantage, so his Dutch opponent will have to be on the top of his game to keep him quiet.

Ryan Gravenberch vs Jude Bellingham

Liverpool probably wouldn't have moved for Ryan Gravenberch had they managed to convince Jude Bellingham to make the switch to Anfield.

The two have played each other three times in the past, with Gravenberch winning each of them against Borussia Dortmund - two for Ajax and one for Bayern Munich.

The Dutch midfielder has fitted in snugly during the early months of Arne Slot's tenure and his direct duels with Bellingham, who is getting back to his supreme best, should bring the best out of both players.

Luis Diaz vs Federico Valverde

There'll be plenty of South American hostility if Luis Diaz is tasked with beating Federico Valverde on the wing.

The Uruguayan has had to fill in with Dani Carvajal injured and Lucas Vazquez struggling for fitness, but if there's a versatile player who can step into the void and thrive, it's the energetic Valverde.

Diaz won't take a backwards step and has shown his goalscoring streak with nine strikes already this term.

Mohamed Salah vs Antonio Rudiger

Mohamed Salah caused quite a storm when he walked out of St Mary's and put the pressure squarely on Liverpool to give him a new contract. The Egyptian is still performing at the very highest level and any team in the world would be better with him in it, including Real Madrid.

The 32-year-old has a bitter past with the Spanish titans. His 2018 final was ruined by a dislocated shoulder sustained after he collided with Sergio Ramos and, while he would right that wrong a year later by helping Liverpool beat Tottenham Hotspur, there's still a sense of unfinished business for Salah.

Antonio Rudiger won't let him run the show without a scrap, mind. The German centre-back is similarly feisty compared to Ramos and will do everything possible to gain a competitive advantage on Salah.

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