Xabi Alonso confirms selection as Madrid prepare for emotional reunion at Anfield

This match was already big enough for most of us, but with both Xabi Alonso and Trent Alexander-Arnold returning to Anfield, it’s going to feel very different.

As confirmed via realmadrid.comThe Spanish giants have named their traveling squad for Tuesday night’s Champions League match, which includes the former Liverpool midfielder as well as the defender who left Merseyside for Madrid in the summer.

Real Madrid confirms traveling squad for Anfield

Alonso’s side trained this morning in Valdebebas before flying to England, with their session including pressing exercises, tactical work and finishing drills.

Antonio Rudiger, David Alaba and Dani Carvajal were absent due to injury, while teenager Mastantuono worked individually indoors.

The 22-man squad consists of Mbappe, Bellingham, Vinicius Jr, Endrick and Trent Alexander-Arnold and will land in Liverpool later today.

Real Madrid squad: Courtois, Lunin, Gonzalez; Militao, Trent, Asencio, Carreras, Fran Garcia, Mendy, Huijsen; Bellingham, Camavinga, Valverde, Tchouameni, Guler, Ceballos; Vini Jr, Endrick, Mbappe, Rodrygo, Gonzalo, Brahim.

For Alonso it is another emotional return to the ground where he helped inspire us for that unforgettable night in Istanbul in 2005.

For Trent, it’s the opposite: a walk back to the place he once called home, now wearing the shirt that once belonged to his dream opponent.

Liverpool is preparing for an emotional evening at Anfield

This follows Trent’s interview with Amazon Prime Video Sport where he said “Whatever happens, my feelings towards Liverpool will not change” – comments that only increased anticipation for what will happen when his name is read out at Anfield.

Meanwhile, there has been mixed news ahead of the match regarding our own squad, with Paul Joyce’s injury update confirming the return of Curtis Jones, but another setback for Alexander Isak, who missed Monday’s training in Kirkby.

Whatever happens, Tuesday night won’t just be about points or qualification.

It’s about two men who once wore our red and walk back into our ground – one as a legend, the other as a reminder that loyalty in football doesn’t always last forever.

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