Champions League: Liverpool vs Real Madrid - Betting Tips, Odds & Prediction

Betting sites in NZ are bracing for a mouthwatering clash between two European titans this week - Real Madrid and Liverpool. Very few sides can compete with the European legacy of these two teams, with 21 Champions League titles between them. 

Anfield has lost some of its fear factor in recent times. Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso, however, knows how difficult the arena still is for away teams on Champions League nights. It'll be an emotional night for Alonso, watching two of his former teams go head-to-head.

Read on for our Liverpool vs Real Madrid preview, complete with betting tips including an $8.50 prediction on the match result.

Liverpool

Liverpool are looking to win back-to-back matches for the first time since September. A recent slump had been costly for Arne Slot’s men, with Liverpool now finding themselves out of the Carabao Cup and trailing league leaders Arsenal by seven points. 

Football betting sites have Real Madrid as the favourites in this match. Even though the odds are nearly identical, walking out of the Anfield tunnel as underdogs is not a common scenario for Liverpool.

The Merseysiders have picked up six points from the available nine after three weeks of Champions League football. They have beaten the only La Liga side they have faced so far, though - Real’s city rivals Atletico Madrid.

Team News: Liverpool are expected to miss their marquee summer signing Alexander Isak as he recovers from a groin injury.

Predicted Lineup: Mamardashvili; Gomez, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Wirtz; Salah, Ekitike, Gakpo.

Real Madrid

Vinicius Jr. didn’t try to hide his frustration after coming off in the 72nd minute of the El Clasico. It did not affect the result on the pitch, though - Real Madrid won the match 2-1. Alonso might not be happy with the dressing room situation heading into the Liverpool match, but he should feel relieved to have opened up a healthy lead at the top of the La Liga standings. 

Alonso’s Madrid is still a work in progress. The tactical identity of the team is still building. On paper, however, Madrid don’t have much to complain about - they are seven points clear in La Liga and have a 100% record in the Champions League so far.

Team News: Ex-Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold will be available for selection after missing weeks of action. Fede Valverde, however, might get the nod ahead of him.

Predicted Lineup: Courtois; Valverde, Asencio, Militao, Carreras; Bellingham, Tchouameni, Guler, Diaz, Vinicius Jr., Mbappe.

• Liverpool have only won one of their last five matches against Real Madrid at Anfield. 
• Both teams have scored in only one of the last five Liverpool vs Real Madrid matches. 
• The home team has won in both of the last two Liverpool-Real Madrid matches.

Liverpool have lost six of their last eight matches - this is a horrific run of results that can’t be sugarcoated by any means. Mohamed Salah and Ryan Gravenberch hit the target as Liverpool beat Aston Villa 2-0 in the weekend. Slot will hope to see a similar performance against Madrid. 

The most encouraging sight for Liverpool fans was seeing Salah producing a brilliant display. The Egyptian King had been underperforming this season - given his standards. Salah, however, looked back on form against Villa, and also played well against Atletico Madrid in Liverpool’s Champions League opener. 

Real Madrid have had their issues under Alonso. They have been a tough time to play against regardless. 

Both teams have great attacking talent. Expect a goalscoring draw in this one - that’s our recommended bet on sports betting apps for this match.

Liverpool 1-1 Real Madrid @ $8.50

Kylian Mbappe and Mohamed Salah - two of the most lethal forwards in world football will go head-to-head in this match. Liverpool, however, should play more conservatively than they usually do, given their recent run of bad results. Goals should still come, but we don't think the score will be higher than 1-1 at full-time. 20Bet has this outcome priced nicely at $8.50.