Liverpool boost as Real Madrid 'nemesis' news confirmed

Arne Slot’s smooth transition as Liverpool’s head coach faces a defining week with two major challenges. First, the Reds square off against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League, a team that has haunted them in recent years. Then, on Sunday, December 1, Liverpool meets Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City in a Premier League showdown.

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

Vinícius Jr missing, but his legacy haunts Liverpool

Los Blancos’ star winger from Brazil has been pivotal in recent those 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 additional positivity for Liverpool, who have often found themselves undone by the Brazilian’s flair and decisiveness, even when the Reds have been on top in the game.

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

The sequel was the 2022 Champions League final in Paris. Vinícius exploited space behind Trent Alexander-Arnold, converting a Federico Valverde 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 of 16. Down 2-0, Vini sparked a stunning comeback, scoring twice, forcing a crucial foul, and assisting two Karim Benzema goals in a historic 5-2 victory for Madrid. It was a turnaround that made headlines around the world, cementing his reputation as Liverpool’s nemesis.

What’s at stake for Liverpool?

With Vinícius unavailable, Liverpool, currently top of both domestic and European leagues, has an opportunity to capitalize on Madrid’s weakened attack. A strong performance against their European rival would build even more momentum ahead of the City clash, which could be pivotal in the title race despite November not yet being over.

Two battles await England’s most successful team: one to conquer their Champions League demons and another to prove their mettle in England. Arne Slot’s Liverpool era has begun in spectacular style and he’ll hope the ghosts of Madrid don’t come back to haunt them once again.

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