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Who makes a Liverpool-Real Madrid combined XI?
As the lights prepare to shine over Anfield on 4 November 2025 for what will be one of the most mouth-watering fixtures in this season’s Champions League – Liverpool versus Real Madrid – the minds of fans and pundits alike turn to the richness of talent on show.
Few sides in Europe can claim the depth of individuals possessed by these two giants, and to mark the occasion, here is a carefully chosen combined XI drawing from both clubs’ star power, a line-up stacked with flair, experience and pure quality.
Goalkeeper – Thibaut Courtois (Madrid)
At the back of this star-lined eleven stands the Belgian shot-stopper, a man whose reflexes and European pedigree have been honed at Real Madrid. In high-pressure occasions – the sort of occasion this clash promises – Courtois is the figure you want in goal, able to anchor the defence, command the box and pull off the fine-margins saves that define big nights. He edges out the admittedly equally excellent Allison here due purely to his more trophy-littered résumé.
Right-back – Trent Alexander-Arnold (Madrid)
Emerging from Liverpool’s academy and evolving into one of the most dynamic attacking full-backs in Europe, Alexander-Arnold's range of passing, crossing and vision remain exceptional. Whether overlapping, whipping in dangerous deliveries or initiating attacks with precision, he offers that rare blend of defence and creative spark that elevates a back-line into a launchpad.
Centre-back – Antonio Rudiger (Madrid)
The German defender brings a ferocious physical presence and no-nonsense mentality. At Real Madrid, he has demonstrated not just robustness but also the ability to carry the ball out from the back, read danger and dominate opponents in aerial duels. His inclusion ensures the spine of this combined XI is as steely as it is skilful.
Centre-back – Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
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From Liverpool’s ranks comes the Dutch colossus, a defender of the highest order. His calm authority, reading of the game and ability to marshal a defence are second to none. When Van Dijk is at his best, his presence alone alters how opposition attacks are structured; he commands respect and deference in equal measure.
Left-back – Alvaro Carreras (Madrid)
On the left flank, we turn to the emerging talent Carreras – a full-back comfortable defending and advancing, linking with midfield and attack. His inclusion rounds out the defence with pace and width from the left, offering balance to the system.
Central midfielder – Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool)
This Liverpool midfielder has matured rapidly, blending defensive discipline with incisive passing, clever movement and timely goals. His arrival at Anfield signalled a new creative dimension for the Reds and his capacity to dictate tempo, break lines and arrive in the box means he is well-suited to this star-team set-up.
Central midfielder – Jude Bellingham (Madrid)
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At just 22, he has already left a seismic imprint at Real Madrid. Bellingham combines energy, tenacity and attacking ambition in midfield – equally comfortable driving forward, pressing opponents or threading passes through tight spaces. His presence ensures this midfield pairing is not only technically gifted but territorially dominant.
No.10 – Florian Wirtz (Liverpool)
The German wunderkind who has rocketed into the elite ranks is the creative fulcrum here. With pace of thought, deft touch and a genuine goal-threat, Wirtz embodies the modern attacking midfielder. He might not have hit the ground running since his £116 million move to Liverpool, but Wirtz’s combinations of intelligence, vision and an eye for the decisive pass or finish means he still has to make this XI.
Right wing – Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
Liverpool’s goal-machine, known for his lightning pace, lethal finishing and consistency at the highest level. Salah brings the veteran edge to the attack, capable of conjuring moments of magic when stakes are high. His record in the Premier League and European competition marks him out as one of the premier forwards of his generation.
Left wing – Vinicius Junior (Madrid)
At Real Madrid, he has emerged as one of the world’s top wide-forwards: terrifying in one-on-one, with explosive pace and unpredictable in his movement. In the 2024-25 La Liga season, he recorded 11 goals and eight assists in 30 appearances. His dynamism on the left flank gives this side an attacking edge that few defences can handle.
Striker – Kylian Mbappe (Madrid)
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Leading the line is the man football stops for. Since his high-profile move to Real Madrid, Mbappe has smashed records – becoming one of the quickest ever to 60 Champions League goals. His blend of speed, precision finishing and world-class athleticism makes him the apex predator of this attack, the ideal centre-forward in a star-studded line-up.
Full Champions League fixture list for Matchday 4
Tuesday 4 November
- Napoli vs Eintracht Frankfurt
- Slavia Prague vs Arsenal
- Atletico Madrid vs Union-SG
- Bodo/Glimt vs Monaco
- Juventus vs Sporting
- Liverpool vs Real Madrid
- Olympiakos vs PSV
- PSG vs Bayern Munich
- Tottenham vs Copenhagen
Wednesday 5 November
- Pafos vs Villarreal
- Qarabag vs Chelsea
- Ajax vs Galatasaray
- Benfica vs Bayer Leverkusen
- Club Brugge vs Barcelona
- Inter Milan vs Kairat
- Manchester City vs Borussia Dortmund
- Marseille vs Atalanta
- Newcastle United vs Atletico Bilbao
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How to watch the Champions League in the USA on DAZN
Soccer fans in the US can watch the Champions League in Spanish language as part of their DAZN subscription package.
An annual upfront payment is $224.99 , while paying monthly for 12 months is $19.99 and also provides access to 185 fight nights a year across boxing, MMA, PFL, BKFC, Glory and much more.
CBS has coverage of every Champions League match in English language this season. You can get more details and subscribe to CBS's Champions League coverage here.
Fans can watch extra Champions League games in Spanish on ViX. A selection of those matches are also available on UNIMÁS and TUDN.
How to watch the Champions League in New Zealand on DAZN
Every Champions League game during the 2025-26 season is streamed in high-definition and comes as part of a DAZN subscription.
An annual subscription costs $14.99 per month for 12 months and also provides access to 185 fight nights a year across boxing, MMA, PFL, BKFC, Glory and much more.
How to watch the Champions League in Canada on DAZN
Watch every game of the Champions League this season in Canada with a DAZN subscription.
There are three subscription options, offering differing selections of sports in each. Access to every Champions League match is included in all three package offerings, ranging from $29.99 to $44.99 per month (for 12 months)
