Alexander‑Arnold Returns to Anfield with Real Madrid

Trent Alexander‑Arnold, who moved from Liverpool to Real Madrid in summer 2025, will return to Anfield on Tuesday for a Champions League tie and says he has mixed emotions but must put feelings aside to perform. He has vowed not to celebrate if he scores and said his reception will not change his affection for Liverpool, adding he exchanged messages with former teammates after the draw. His Madrid career has had a rocky start — a September hamstring layoff and intermittent selection — and he has recently been named on the bench, with Federico Valverde often preferred at right‑back. Xabi Alonso has rotated full‑back positions while Dani Carvajal is sidelined by knee surgery, and reports say neither player nor club are considering a departure. Liverpool’s poor early‑season form adds extra edge to an already high‑stakes match at Anfield.