Liverpool boost as Real Madrid ‘nemesis’ news confirmed

The absence of Brazilian star Vinicius, who was key to Madrid's victory at the home of Liverpool in 2023, has allayed local fans' fears.

Arne Slot's smooth transition as Liverpool head coach faces a defining week with two major challenges. Firstly, the Reds will take on Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League, a team that has haunted them in recent years. Then, on Sunday, December 1, Liverpool meet Pep Guardiola's Manchester City in a Premier League match.

However, the immediate focus is on Real Madrid, a club that has dominated Liverpool on the European stage. Since Liverpool's infamous 4-0 win in the 2008-09 season, the teams have clashed eight more times, with Madrid winning seven and drawing once. This run includes two Champions League finals: a 3-1 win in Madrid in 2018, highlighted by Gareth Bale's brilliance, and a 1-0 win in 2022, sealed by Vinícius Jr.'s clinical finish.

Vinicius Jr. is missing, but his legacy haunts Liverpool

Los Blancos' star Brazilian winger played a crucial role in the recent battles against Liverpool but will miss this encounter due to a hamstring injury that could sideline him for up to three weeks. His absence provides added positivity for Liverpool, who have often been undone by the Brazilian's flair and decisiveness even when the Reds have been top of the game.

Vinícius scored five goals against Liverpool in just five appearances – 20% of his 25 career Champions League goals. No other European club has felt its impact so acutely. His journey to torment Liverpool began in the 2020/21 quarter-finals, where he scored twice in a 3-1 first-leg victory at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stéfano in Madrid. In that match, his first goal came from a sublime long ball from Toni Kroos, while the second goal was set up by Luka Modrić's precision.

The next event was the 2022 Champions League final in Paris. Vinícius exploited the space behind Trent Alexander-Arnold and converted Federico Valverde's cross to secure Madrid's 14th European crown.

Perhaps his magnum opus came at Anfield in February 2023, during the 2022/23 Champions League round. Trailing 2-0, Vini staged a stunning comeback, scoring twice, forcing a crucial foul and assisting two Karim Benzema goals in a historic match. 5-2 win for Madrid. It was a turnaround that made headlines around the world, cementing his reputation as Liverpool's enemy.

What's at stake for Liverpool?

With Vinicius unavailable, Liverpool, currently at the top of both domestic and European competition, have the opportunity to take advantage of Madrid's weakened attack. A strong performance against their European rivals would provide further momentum ahead of the City clash, which could be crucial in the title race even though November is not yet over.

Two battles await England's most successful team: one to slay their Champions League demons and another to prove their mettle in England. Arne Slot's Liverpool era has started in spectacular fashion and he hopes the ghosts of Madrid do not come back to haunt them.

Original article written by Agustín Martin, translated with the help of AI and edited by Calum Roche