Alexander‑Arnold Returns to Anfield Amid Jota Tribute

Trent Alexander‑Arnold, who moved from Liverpool to Real Madrid in summer 2025, returns to Anfield on Tuesday for a Champions League tie and says he is braced for a potentially hostile reception but that any jeers will not change his affection for Liverpool. Real boss Xabi Alonso has told him to enjoy the homecoming, and former players and other voices have urged supporters not to boo. Ahead of the game Alexander‑Arnold joined a Real Madrid delegation to lay floral tributes at Anfield to the late Diogo Jota and his brother André; Liverpool have retired Jota’s No.20 in his honour. Tactical notes suggest Alexander‑Arnold may start on the bench with Federico Valverde deployed at right‑back. The match comes after Liverpool ended a poor run with a 2-0 win over Aston Villa, making the atmosphere and the tie especially charged.