Alonso names squad as Madrid pair ready for emotional Anfield return.

For many fans, this match was already massive — but with both Xabi Alonso and Trent Alexander-Arnold returning to Anfield, the atmosphere is about to hit a whole new level.

 

Real Madrid have confirmed their travelling squad for Tuesday’s Champions League showdown, and it features not only the former Liverpool midfield icon but also the academy-bred right-back who swapped Merseyside for Madrid this summer.

 

Alonso’s team completed their final training session at Valdebebas this morning with pressing routines, tactical drills and finishing work before jetting off to England.

 

There are notable absences due to injury: Antonio Rudiger, David Alaba and Dani Carvajal are out, while youngster Mastantuono trained alone indoors.

 

The 22-man squad heading to Liverpool includes Mbappe, Bellingham, Vinicius Jr, Endrick and Trent Alexander-Arnold, and is expected to arrive later today.

 

Real Madrid squad: Courtois, Lunin, Gonzalez; Militao, Trent, Asencio, Carreras, Fran Garcia, Mendy, Huijsen; Bellingham, Camavinga, Valverde, Tchouameni, Guler, Ceballos; Vinicius Jr, Endrick, Mbappe, Rodrygo, Gonzalo, Brahim.

 

For Alonso, this is another emotional return to the stadium where he helped write history on that magical Istanbul night in 2005.

For Trent, it’s a very different kind of homecoming — stepping back into the place that shaped him, but now wearing the shirt of the club he once dreamed of defeating.

 

His recent comments to Amazon Prime Video Sport — “No matter what, my feelings won’t change towards Liverpool” — have only added more intensity to the reaction he’ll receive when his name echoes around Anfield.

 

On the Liverpool side, injury news is mixed. According to Paul Joyce, Curtis Jones is back, but Alexander Isak suffered a fresh setback and was absent from Monday’s training at Kirkby.

 

Whatever the result, Tuesday night will go far beyond points or qualification.

 

It will be about two former Reds walking back into Anfield — one forever adored, the other a reminder that in football, loyalty doesn’t always stand the test of time.