Trent Alexander-Arnold’s true thoughts on Liverpool as reunion confirmed | Football | Sport
Trent Alexander-Arnold could be reunited with Liverpool in the Champions League (Image: TNT Sports)
Liverpool‘s route to the Champions League final is set to unfold on Friday with some tantalising fixtures on the horizon. The Reds secured third place in the league phase, guaranteeing their progression to the knock-out stages. They will now encounter either a rematch with Atletico Madrid or Galatasaray in the last 16.
Both opponents possess the capability to trouble Arne Slot‘s squad, as shown this season already. Liverpool memorably triumphed over Atletico in November with the Spanish side’s manager, Diego Simeone, receiving his marching orders. Liverpool also suffered defeat to Galatasaray on their travels in September. Either fixture offers Liverpool a pathway that could see them face Real Madrid, and former player Trent Alexander-Arnold, in the subsequent rounds.
Here’s a look at the latest Liverpool news ahead of the weekend…
Trent’s true feelings on Liverpool
Speaking after Real Madrid’s midweek victory over Benfica, Alexander-Arnold made it clear that he and his teammates stand prepared for whatever challenge awaits them, even if that involves facing Liverpool.
The right-back has already made one return to Anfield this campaign, with the Reds prevailing over Los Blancos in November.
Liverpool and Madrid could now face each other once more, in the semi-finals or final, depending on whom the Reds are paired with in the last 16.
“It wasn’t about sending a message to anyone, it was about winning the game and letting our football do the talking,” said Alexander-Arnold.
“At the start of every season, our aim is to win this competition. We know the importance of it, for the club and for the fans and we know what it means with the club being the most successful in this competition.
“There’s an expectation and demand. There’s no reason why we can’t go on and win it. We’re more than ready to face whatever challenges come next.”
Ensure our latest sport headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as a Preferred Source in your Google search settings.
The right-back has been speaking about Real Madrid’s ambitions in Europe (Image: Quality Sport Images, Getty Images)
Reunion on the cards
Whichever team Liverpool are drawn against, whether Atletico or Galatasaray, a reunion awaits with either Spanish or Turkish opposition.
Goals from Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and a late winner from Virgil van Dijk secured the Reds’ 3-2 triumph over Atletico in a tempestuous encounter at Anfield in September.
The fixture proved memorable for a remarkable collapse from Atletico manager Simeone that resulted in him being shown a red card.
Following victory over Club Brugge to confirm Atletico’s progression to the last-16, Simeone even insisted he is “not thinking about Liverpool”.
Liverpool have encountered Atletico nine times since 2008. The Reds have triumphed in four of those meetings, drawn two and been defeated in three.
Simeone’s outfit have knocked Liverpool out on the two occasions the clubs have collided in European knockout competition: in 2020 in the Champions League and during the 2010 Europa League semi-finals.
Liverpool have confronted Galatasaray on five occasions in European competition. The Reds have prevailed in just one of those clashes, suffering two defeats and two stalemates.
EXPRESS SPORT ON FB! Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page.
