Liverpool team vs Real Madrid confirmed as Florian Wirtz and Milos Kerkez decisions made

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Liverpool has named its starting XI for the heavyweight Champions League clash against Real Madrid with Florian Wirtz coming into the starting XI for Arne Slot's side.

Giorgi Mamardashvili is in goal with Alisson Becker still injured. Conor Bradley, Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk and Andy Robertson make up the rest of the defense, with Milos Kerkez on the bench.

In midfield, Slot has gone with Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai. Mohamed Salah and Hugo Ekitike join Wirtz in the front three, with Federico Chiesa and Cody Gakpo among the options to come from the sidelines and change the game.

"Clearly this is a fixture that will get a lot of attention throughout football and it is one that everyone involved has looked forward to since the draw was made," Slot writes in the official matchday program.

"For us, it is an opportunity to test ourselves against the most successful club in the history of the European Cup once again.

"That it is the second time in a year that we have been able to do this in front of our own fans does not detract to the sense of occasion in any way. If anything, it adds to it because we know already how special a tie like this can be.

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot speaks during the Champions League press conference ahead of facing Real Madrid

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot speaks during the Champions League press conference ahead of facing Real Madrid

"This time last year we were able to take the points on a night which was memorable for a number of reasons. Everyone of a Liverpool persuasion will have their own the goals, Caoimhin Kelleher's penalty save, Conor Bradley's tackle.

"But for me what sticks in my mind the most is the level we had to play at in order to take the points.

"It was a night, like against Aston Villa on Saturday, when players and crowd were of a really high standard, pushing one another on, coming through moments of difficulty and eventually coming out on top against a team which everyone knows is one of the very best in Europe.

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"I mention this not because of nostalgia or to enjoy these memories. It is because I know all of us will need to be at a similar standard tonight.

"Real are top of La Liga having won 10 games out of 11 and they also have a 100 per cent record in the Champions League so they are clearly in top form.

"This record should not and will not intimidate us, but it does inform us in terms of the need for us to be at our best.

"After a difficult run, Saturday was a step in the right direction and now we want to continue moving forward so it makes sense that we view tonight's game as another chance to keep on doing that."

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