Xabi Alonso Returns to Anfield as Real Madrid Face Liverpool

Posted : 03 November 2025

Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso will step back into familiar territory when his side takes on Liverpool at Anfield in the Champions League on Tuesday. The Spanish tactician, who enjoyed a celebrated playing spell with the Reds from 2004 to 2009, returns as one of Europe’s most promising coaches after a remarkable start to life at the Santiago Bernabéu.

While Liverpool have struggled for form — winning only two of their last eight matches — Alonso’s Real Madrid are flying high. The 15-time European champions recently triumphed over Barcelona in El Clásico and are brimming with confidence ahead of their meeting with Arne Slot’s side. Madrid’s only defeat this season came in a heavy 5–2 loss to Atletico Madrid, but since then, Alonso’s men have bounced back impressively, winning 13 of their 14 matches across all competitions.

Many Liverpool fans had hoped Alonso would return to Merseyside as manager following Jurgen Klopp’s departure at the end of the 2023/24 season. Instead, the 42-year-old chose to remain in Spain, replacing Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid after a successful tenure at Bayer Leverkusen. Under his guidance, Madrid have rediscovered their defensive discipline and attacking rhythm, securing seven clean sheets so far this campaign.

Spanish outlet Marca recently described Alonso’s Madrid as a team that “dominates, suffocates, and subdues opponents,” reflecting their transformation from Ancelotti’s inconsistent final year. The Basque coach has instilled intensity and tactical flexibility, unafraid to make mid-match adjustments that have kept his opponents guessing.

Alonso’s return to Anfield is expected to be emotional but focused. “We prefer to train at home, in our space,” he explained when asked why Madrid would not hold their final session at Anfield. “It allows us to prepare calmly without distractions.”

Key stars like Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, and Jude Bellingham have flourished under Alonso’s guidance. Mbappe has already scored 18 goals this season, adding defensive work rate to his repertoire, while Bellingham continues to shine after returning from injury, netting crucial goals in recent fixtures. Even Vinicius, who recently had a brief outburst after being substituted, has since apologized and responded positively on the pitch.

As Alonso seeks to lead Madrid back to European glory, his Anfield return marks a full-circle moment — from a midfield maestro in Liverpool’s 2005 Champions League triumph to a master tactician guiding the Spanish giants toward another continental crown.

Xabi Alonso Returns to Anfield as Real Madrid Face Liverpool

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