Trent Alexander-Arnold has been handed an awkward Anfield return after Real Madrid were drawn with Liverpool in the Champions League League Phase.
The defender left Merseyside on a free transfer in the summer after running down his contract, a decision that angered large sections of the support. He was booed by fans when coming off the bench against Arsenal in May, with chants of ‘there’s only one Conor Bradley’ ringing around the ground.
Now Alexander-Arnold, who came through Liverpool’s academy and made more than 300 appearances before moving to Spain, will be back on matchday two when Madrid visit Anfield.
Though, it remains to be seen whether the 26-year-old will start the match, given his recent demotion.
After an unconvincing LaLiga debut against Osasuna, he was dropped from the starting lineup for the victory away to Real Oviedo on Sunday, with Dani Carvajal preferred at right back. Alexander-Arnold only appeared in the 87th minute.
The meeting comes in revamped League Phase, introduced last season to replace the old group stage. Thirty-six clubs compete, drawn into four pots, and each plays eight different opponents, four at home and four away, before the top eight qualify automatically for the knockouts.
Trent Alexander-Arnold has been handed an awkward Anfield return after Real Madrid were drawn with Liverpool in the Champions League
The defender left Merseyside on a free transfer in the summer after running down his contract, a decision that angered large sections of the support
Elsewhere, Manchester City will meet Madrid for the fifth consecutive season in one of the headline fixtures, while Chelsea have been paired with both Barcelona and Bayern Munich.
City, who were knocked out in the knockout round play-offs last season, must also contend with Borussia Dortmund, Bayer Leverkusen, Villarreal and Napoli. Pep Guardiola’s side also face trips to Monaco and Norwegian debutants Bodo/Glimt.
Chelsea, European champions in 2021, have further tests against Benfica, Atalanta, Ajax and Napoli.
They must also travel to Cypriot newcomers Pafos, where former Chelsea defender David Luiz is now playing, and make another long journey to Azerbaijan to meet Qarabag.
Liverpool, in Arne Slot’s second season, have also been dealt a demanding schedule.
In addition to Madrid they will face Atletico, Inter Milan, Eintracht Frankfurt, PSV Eindhoven and Marseille, alongside trips to Qarabag and Galatasaray.
Arsenal’s programme is no kinder, with Bayern, Inter and Atletico in their path. The Gunners have been spared the 3,600 mile trip to Kazakhstan to face debutants Kairat Almaty, and will meet the minnows at the Emirates.
Newcastle supporters will relish a glamour tie against Barcelona, two years on from beating Paris Saint-Germain on a famous night at St James’ Park. Eddie Howe’s side also take on Monaco, Galatasaray, Copenhagen and Athletic Club, as well as debutants Union Saint-Gilloise.
