The UEFA Champions League, the world’s most exciting club competition, is back! We're diving into Matchday 4 on November 4th and 5th, 2025, where the group stage drama hits its peak. For many clubs, these matches are their last chance to climb the table and keep their European dreams alive.
This week features a lineup of genuine blockbusters, but one fixture stands head and shoulders above the rest: Liverpool hosting Real Madrid. It's a clash of titans, with history, star power, and a massive three points on the line.
Get ready for deep dives, tactical insights, and bold predictions. Let's break down the biggest games.
Check the Latest UEFA Champions League Fixtures and Scores – Sky Sports
The Main Event: Liverpool vs. Real Madrid (Anfield)
Date: Tuesday, November 4th, 2025 | Kick-off: 8:00 PM GMT
The last time Xabi Alonso returned to Anfield, it was as a player. Now, he returns as the Real Madrid manager in what is arguably the biggest match of the season so far. This fixture is a classic rivalry, marked by recent Champions League finals and devastating Real Madrid victories. Can Liverpool finally turn the tide at home?
Tactical Preview & Key Battles
Real Madrid, under Alonso, have shown remarkable defensive resilience despite a mounting injury list, coupled with a terrifying counter-attacking speed thanks to their superstar forwards. Liverpool's new manager, Arne Slot, relies on a high-press system that demands constant energy and verticality.
- The Midfield Chess Match: Liverpool's engine room, featuring players like Szoboszlai and Curtis Jones, must dominate the ball and prevent Real Madrid's defensive anchor, Aurélien Tchouaméni, from dictating the tempo. If Tchouaméni can break up the play, he can launch a quick ball to the forward line, creating a deadly transition.
- The Wings: Salah vs. Vinícius Júnior: This is where the match will be won or lost. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) and Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid) are two of the most electrifying wingers on the planet. Expect both teams' fullbacks to have their toughest night of the season.
Probable Lineups (4-3-3 Formation)
| Liverpool (Slot) | Real Madrid (Alonso) |
| GK: Kelleher | GK: Courtois |
| DEF: Bradley, Konaté, Van Dijk (C), Robertson | DEF: Valverde, Militão, Huijsen, Carreras |
| MID: Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Jones | MID: Bellingham, Tchouaméni, Güler |
| FWD: Salah, Núñez, Díaz | FWD: Mbappé, Rodrygo, Vinícius Júnior |
Star Player Stats (UCL 2025/26 Season)
| Player | Club | Goals | Assists | G+A | Key Trait |
| Kylian Mbappé | Real Madrid | 5 | 0 | 5 | Elite pace and clinical finishing (UCL top scorer contender). |
| Vinícius Júnior | Real Madrid | 7 | 2 | 9 | Explosive dribbling and a high volume of progressive carries. |
| Mohamed Salah | Liverpool | 3 | 4 | 7 | The total threat—goal-scoring, chance creation, and penalty-box intelligence. |
UEFA Champions League Top Scorers 2025/26 – BBC Sport
Prediction: Liverpool 2 - 2 Real Madrid
Given Real Madrid's extensive defensive injuries (Carvajal, Rüdiger, Alaba are all out or major doubts) and Liverpool’s need for a statement win at home, goals are guaranteed. However, the sheer talent of the Real Madrid frontline is almost impossible to keep quiet. This will be a thrilling, high-scoring draw that leaves the group wide open.
Tuesday's Top Fixtures (November 4th)
1. Paris Saint-Germain vs. Bayern Munich
- Preview: The last two major continental powers clash in Paris. PSG has been in sensational goal-scoring form but faces the ultimate test in a highly organized and clinical Bayern side. Bayern’s attack, led by the prolific Harry Kane, has the firepower to match anyone, but PSG's midfield quality is often underrated.
- Prediction: PSG 2 - 1 Bayern Munich. (Home advantage for PSG is often the difference in these titanic clashes.)
2. Slavia Praha vs. Arsenal
- Preview: Arsenal has been consistently excellent in the Champions League so far, showing maturity and control. They will dominate possession against the Czech side. The key for Arsenal will be to break down a deep-sitting defense early to prevent frustration from setting in. Expect a full rotation from the Gunners to manage their league schedule.
- Prediction: Slavia Praha 0 - 2 Arsenal. (A professional and comfortable win for Mikel Arteta's men.)
Wednesday's Must-Watch Matches (November 5th)
1. Manchester City vs. Borussia Dortmund
- Preview: City are quietly performing their duties, and while Dortmund have attacking threats, the sheer depth and technical quality of Pep Guardiola's side should be too much. The midfield battle will be crucial, but City's ability to retain the ball and overload wide areas is unmatched. Expect Erling Haaland to be a constant menace.
- Prediction: Manchester City 3 - 1 Borussia Dortmund. (A routine win for the Premier League side, though Dortmund will find the net.)
2. Inter Milan vs. Kairat Almaty
- Preview: Inter, fresh off an impressive start to their campaign, hosts the champions of Kazakhstan. This is a match where the Italian giants will seek to consolidate their position in the top half of the table with a high-scoring victory. Expect a festival of attacking football and a debut goal for a young Inter striker.
- Prediction: Inter Milan 4 - 0 Kairat Almaty. (No surprises here—a dominant performance from the home team.)
The Surprise Conclusion: Why Matchday 4 Will Rewrite the Script
You might think the Champions League is predictable, but Matchday 4 is historically where the "safe bets" unravel.
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The true surprise this week won't be a classic upset, but how the tactical masterclass at Anfield shifts the power dynamics of the entire competition. A draw between Liverpool and Real Madrid is a win for the chasing pack—the teams desperate for points. This result keeps the group tight, forcing the two European heavyweights to play with more pressure in the final matches.
Here’s the shocker: The most significant winner of the week might not be a club that plays, but one that is watching. As Liverpool and Real Madrid share the points, it quietly gives teams like Arsenal and Inter Milan the psychological edge in their respective groups, confirming their status as serious contenders and making the November-December fixtures an absolute sprint for the top.
Tune in—the Road to the Final gets steeper right now.