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UEFA has named Istvan Kovacs as the referee for Tuesday’s Champions League clash between Liverpool and Real Madrid.
That could be seen as bad news for the Reds, as the Romanian official was also in charge for the first leg of the Round of 16 between the two sides during the 2022/23 season, which ended in a 5-2 win for Madrid. He has also officiated the first leg of the 2021/22 semifinals between Manchester City and Real Madrid, as well as the playoff between the same two sides in the inaugural season for the Champions League league phase.
Kovacs will be supported by assistant referees Ferencz Tunyogi and Marcel Birsan, also from Romania. The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) will be Bastian Dankert from Germany, with Fedayi San of Switzerland serving as the Assistant VAR.
Tuesday’s game will carry added significance for coach Xabi Alonso, who returns to Anfield for the second time as a manager. The ex-Spanish midfielder made 210 appearances over five years for the Reds, scoring 19 goals along the way. Alonso previously suffered a 4-0 defeat to Liverpool while managing Bayer Leverkusen.
Also making a return is Trent Alexander-Arnold, the former Liverpool vice-captain who controversially left his boyhood club to join Real Madrid this summer. Speaking to Prime Video Sport, he reflected on the reception he expects at Anfield, admitting he isn’t sure whether he will be booed — a likely reaction when he steps onto the pitch.
He said: "Whatever way I’m received is the decision of the fans. I’ll always love the club, I’ll always be a fan of the club. "I’ll always be thankful for the opportunities and the things we achieved together... they’ll live with me forever.
"No matter what, my feeling won’t change towards Liverpool. I’ve got memories there that will last me a lifetime, and no matter how I'm received, that won’t change."
Despite losing at Anfield last year, Los Blancos have enjoyed a strong record against Liverpool in recent years, winning seven of their last 11 competitive meetings, with one draw and just three defeats.
Matches between the two sides have often produced drama for neutrals. Real Madrid also secured a 5-2 victory in 2023, while Liverpool’s memorable 4-0 win in 2008 remains a highlight of the fixture’s history.
There were two standout moments from the last Liverpool vs Real Madrid clash a year ago, both involving Kylian Mbappe. The first came when Conor Bradley’s strong sliding tackle brought the Anfield crowd to its feet and inspired a wave of memes and t-shirts celebrating the challenge.
Later in the second half, after Andy Robertson conceded a soft penalty, Mbappe saw his spot-kick saved by stand-in Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher.
However, Liverpool will be facing a very different Mbappe this time. After being kept scoreless in that game, he had just nine goals in his first 18 appearances for Real Madrid; this term, he has already netted 18 in just 14 appearances.
While the focus will naturally be on the return of Alexander-Arnold, and to a lesser extent, his close friend Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Jr., it is Mbappe who will pose the greatest threat for the Reds.
“Time will tell how many goals he scores,” said the Real Madrid coach after Mbappe added a brace in the weekend’s 4-0 La Liga win over Valencia.
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