Key Takeaways:
- Xabi Alonso has chosen for Real Madrid not to train at Anfield ahead of their Champions League fixture against Liverpool
- Real Madrid will instead conduct their preparations at their own training base before departing for England later today
- The fixture at Anfield marks the first of six consecutive away matches for Alonso’s side across all competitions
Alonso’s Pre-Match Preparations
Xabi Alonso has detailed his reasons for opting out of utilising Anfield for Real Madrid’s final training session before their Champions League encounter with Liverpool. Rather than taking up the chance to familiarise themselves with Liverpool’s iconic ground, Real Madrid will train at their own base, focusing on maintaining a sense of routine and privacy.
🚨 Xabi Alonso: “We will train at Valdebebas before Liverpool’s match. Why? Because I don’t want 200 cameras at the training session.” pic.twitter.com/8sRBIXrIHS
— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) November 1, 2025
Press Conference and Media Considerations
The Spanish side will board their flight to England after completing their session at home, with Alonso scheduled to address the media later in the evening during his customary pre-match press conference. The decision, according to Alonso, stems from a desire to prepare away from the intense scrutiny typically associated with Anfield on the eve of high-profile fixtures. As Alonso himself clarified: “This is my decision, because we need to prepare for the match and we prefer to do it at our training base, in our own space, so that we don’t get caught by 200 cameras.”
Champions League Progress and Upcoming Challenge
Real Madrid approach this highly anticipated clash at Anfield sitting on nine points after the first three rounds of the Champions League group stage, whilst Liverpool have accumulated six points. The meeting represents a return to familiar territory for Alonso, who played for Liverpool from 2004 to 2009. In addition, the fixture signifies the start of a challenging run of six successive away matches for Real Madrid across all competitions.
