Titans Clash: Haaland Haunts Dortmund, Trent Returns to Anfield in Massive Champions League Week 4
The Champions League roars back into action this week for Matchday 4, a pivotal round where the path to the knockout stages becomes clearer. While every point is crucial in the new 36-team league format, three heavyweight clashes stand above the rest, packed with dramatic storylines and world-class talent.
Here’s a deep dive into the mega-games, plus a look at the other fixtures across Tuesday and Wednesday.
1. Liverpool vs. Real Madrid (Tuesday, Nov 4)
The Storyline: The Return to Anfield
This match is defined by two emotional returns. The biggest story is Trent Alexander-Arnold facing his boyhood club at Anfield for the first time since his seismic summer transfer to Real Madrid. After a recent injury spell, reports suggest he is fit and in contention to start, adding a thick layer of drama to an already electric atmosphere.
Adding to the narrative, Real Madrid are managed by a Liverpool legend, Xabi Alonso, who returns to the dugout of his former stomping ground.
The form guide paints a stark picture: Liverpool are struggling, winning just two of their last six matches, while Alonso’s Real Madrid are a juggernaut, having won 13 of their last 14 games. For the Reds, this is a desperate chance to turn their season around on the biggest stage. For Real, it’s a chance to solidify their dominance.
Team News & Injuries
- Liverpool: The Reds are hit hard by injuries. Key players Alisson (GK), Alexander Isak (FW), and Jeremie Frimpong (DF) are all confirmed out. Giorgi Mamardashvili will continue to deputize in goal.
- Real Madrid: Los Blancos are without starting defenders Antonio Rüdiger and Dani Carvajal, whose long-term knee injury is what opens the door for Alexander-Arnold to start at right-back. Franco Mastantuono also ruled out after being diagnosed with pubalgia, David Alaba is a doubt.
Probable Lineups
- Liverpool (4-3-3): Mamardashvili; Bradley, Konaté, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Szoboszlai, Mac Aliister; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitiké
- Real Madrid (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Militão, Huijsen, Carreras; Valverde, Camavinga, Tchouaméni; Güler, Bellingham, Vinícius Jr.; Mbappé
Match Odds (Approx.)
- Liverpool Win: 6/4 (+150)
- Draw: 11/4 (+275)
- Real Madrid Win: 31/20 (+155)
2. PSG vs. Bayern Munich (Tuesday, Nov 4)
The Storyline: Battle of the Perfects
This is a true clash of the titans. Both PSG and Bayern Munich have been flawless in the Champions League, sitting joint-top of the league phase table with a perfect nine points from three games. Something has to give at the Parc des Princes.
Bayern are in terrifying form, riding an 18-match winning streak across all competitions under manager Vincent Kompany. However, PSG will be looking for a repeat of their 2-0 victory over the German giants in the 2025 Club World Cup. With Harry Kane firing on all cylinders against the likes of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Ousmane Dembélé, this promises attacking football at its very best.
Team News & Injuries
- PSG: The French champions will be without forward Desire Doue due to injury. Ousmane Dembélé is still considered a major doubt. Illia Zabarnyi is suspended. Captain Marquinhos is expected to return to the starting XI.
- Bayern Munich: Bayern are missing three crucial players: Alphonso Davies (DF), creative spark Jamal Musiala (MF), and Hiroki Ito (DF).
Probable Lineups
- PSG (4-3-3): Chevalier; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes; Zaïre-Emery, Neves, Vitinha; Dembélé, Kvaratskhelia, Barcola
- Bayern Munich (4-2-3-1): Neuer; Laimer, Tah, Upamecano, Boey; Kimmich, Pavlovic; Olise, Diaz, Gnabry; Kane
Match Odds (Approx.)
- PSG Win: 2.40 (7/5)
- Draw: 4.17 (16/5)
- Bayern Munich Win: 2.79 (9/5)
3. Man City vs. Borussia Dortmund (Wednesday, Nov 5)
The Storyline: Haaland Faces His Past
All eyes at the Etihad will be on one man: Erling Haaland. The Norwegian superstar faces his former club, Borussia Dortmund, for whom he became a global phenomenon. Haaland is in typically ruthless form, having scored in nine consecutive matches for club and country.
This is also a crucial match in the standings, with both clubs currently tied on seven points. Dortmund are not to be underestimated; they arrive in Manchester with Several senior players unavailable for the trip to Manchester, notably former Liverpool midfielder Emre Can. However, there is optimism that central defenders Nico Schlotterbeck and Niklas Sule will be available.
City, will Rodri returning from a hamstring problem and should be eased back in gradually.
Team News & Injuries
- Man City: Kalvin Phillips remains unavailable.
- Dortmund: The Germans are in good shape. Nico Schlotterbeck and Niklas Süle have recovered from illness and injury, respectively, and are expected to start. Emre Can is back in the squad after neealy five months.
Probable Lineups
- Man City (4-2-3-1): Ederson; Walker, Stones, Dias, Gvardiol; Nunes, Bernardo Silva; Foden, Alvarez, Doku; Haaland
- Dortmund (3-4-3): Kobel; Süle, Schlotterbeck, Bensebaini; Ryerson, Nmecha, Gross, Svensson; Brandt, Adeyemi; Guirassy
Match Odds (Approx.)
- Man City Win: 4/9
- Draw: 17/4
- Dortmund Win: 5/1
Elsewhere on Matchday 4
Here is a look at the other fixtures taking place this week:
Tuesday, 4 November
- Napoli vs. Eintracht Frankfurt
- Slavia Praha vs. Arsenal
- Atlético de Madrid vs. Union Saint-Gilloise
- Bodø/Glimt vs. AS Monaco
- Juventus vs. Sporting CP
- Olympiacos vs. PSV Eindhoven
- Tottenham Hotspur vs. FC Copenhagen
Wednesday, 5 November
- Pafos vs. Villarreal
- Qarabağ vs. Chelsea
- Ajax vs. Galatasaray
- Club Brugge vs. Barcelona
- Inter Milan vs. Kairat Almaty
- Newcastle United vs. Athletic Club
- Marseille vs. Atalanta
- Benfica vs. Bayer Leverkusen
