José Del Valle has discussed the significance of Vinícius Júnior for Real Madrid, highlighting that his absence presents a crucial opportunity for Kylian Mbappé to shine on the left flank. The Real Madrid team will face Liverpool this Wednesday at Anfield, where the English club currently boasts an impeccable record in the new Champions League format. Following recent defeats to both Barcelona and Milan, Real Madrid is looking to recover, although they will have to do so without the injured Vinícius.
Having secured two victories and sustained two losses in their four Champions League matches, Real Madrid enters this crucial phase with no room for error, especially as they will also be facing Atalanta soon after their encounter with Liverpool.
With Vinícius sidelined, it’s predicted that Mbappé will take on the leading role on the left side, where he often excels. Manager Carlo Ancelotti faces multiple absences, including Dani Carvajal, Éder Militão, David Alaba, Aurelien Tchouaméni, Rodrygo Goes, and Vinícius, along with Lucas Vázquez being uncertain.
The lineup will likely see Valverde filling the right-back position, while young talent Raúl Asencio partners with Antonio Rüdiger in central defense, and Ferland Mendy occupies the left-back position. In midfield, Eduardo Camavinga is set to play alongside Luka Modric, Bellingham, and Arda Güler.
Liverpool, with its impressive Premier League form, including 31 out of 36 points and a perfect 12 points in Champions League play, will look to Mohamed Salah as their key player. However, they too have notable absentees, including Trent Alexander-Arnold and Alisson Becker.
The anticipated lineups for the match are as follows:
Liverpool: Kelleher; Bradley, Van Dijk, Konaté, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Jones; Salah, Díaz, and Gakpo.
Real Madrid: Thibaut Courtois; Federico Valverde, Antonio Rüdiger, Raúl Asencio, Ferland Mendy; Eduardo Camavinga, Luka Modric, Arda Güler, Jude Bellingham; Brahim Díaz and Kylian Mbappé.
Referee: François Letexier (France).
Stadium: Anfield.
Match Time: 12:00 PM PT, 2:00 PM MX, 3:00 PM ET.
This upcoming match is pivotal for both teams, especially for Real Madrid as they look to return to form and showcase their depth amid injuries. It can also serve as a moment for emerging talents to step into the spotlight and shine on one of football’s biggest stages.