 "Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Anfield return and Ousmane Dembele’s fitness would be in focus as Champions League returns on Tuesday. Images: Reuters")
UEFA Champions League (UCL) returns on Tuesday with Match 4 as Liverpool take on Real Madrid at Anfield and defending champions Paris Saint-Germain host Bayern Munich. Arsenal, Juventus, Man City, Chelsea and Tottenham would also be in action.
The focus, however, would be firmly fixed on Xabi Alonso’s Real travelling to Liverpool as former defender Trent Alexander-Arnold returns to Anfield. Alexander-Arnold won two Premier League titles, the Champions League and the Club World Cup with Liverpool, but his decision not to sign a new deal with the Merseyside team and move to Real had offended a few fans.
Alexander-Arnold returns to Anfield
There are fears that the England footballer, who came through Liverpool’s youth ranks, would be jeered by the fans, who were livid with Alexander-Arnold’s decision to move to Spain.
Alexander-Arnold, however, is not worried as he said that he loves Liverpool, and his feelings for the club would never change.
“I think whichever way I am received is the decision of the fans,” Alexander-Arnold told Amazon Prime. “I will always love the club. I will always be a fan of the club.
“No matter what, my feelings won’t change towards Liverpool. I have got memories there that will last me a lifetime and no matter how I am received, that won’t change.”
Meanwhile, Liverpool manager Arne Slot has spoken highly of the footballer, recalling his professionalism and qualities.
“I can only tell you what kind of reception he gets from me. I only have good memories from him as a player and as a human being,” he said. “I have memories of working with him that are only positive and memories of watching him when I’m in front of the TV and they are only positive. I can remember multiple great moments of him in a Liverpool shirt.
“Let’s see if he is on the pitch and then how the fans react I’ve no clue but he gets a warm welcome from me, that’s for sure.”
With Liverpool struggling for form and Real Madrid being one among the five UCL table leaders, it was always going to be an interesting match, and the added Alexander-Arnold narrative has only made it even more spicy.
Dembele declared fit as PSG take on Bayern
Liverpool have six points from three matches, while Real have won all three games so far, earning nine points. Also, on nine points are PSG, Bayern Munich, Inter Milan and Arsenal.
The PSG vs Bayern match at the Parc des Princes, hence, assumes a lot of significance. And the good news for PSG is that 2025 Men’s Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele has been declared fit for the match.
Dembele was forced to leave the pitch after some discomfort in his right thigh during a match against Lorient last week. He played for just 18 minutes against Nice last Saturday, but he is set to start the match against Bayern.
“We do not take risks with any players. But Ousmane Dembele is fit, he has been in every training session for the last two weeks,” PSG manager Luis Enrique told reporters on Monday.
“He is improving his physical fitness and he will certainly play tomorrow. I do not know for how many minutes, but he will play because he is ready to compete.”
UCL matchday 4 matches
Slavia Praha vs Arsenal
Napoli vs Frankfurt
Atlético de Madrid vs Union Saint-Gilloise
Bodø/Glimt vs Monaco
Juventus vs Sporting CP
Liverpool vs Real Madrid
Olympiacos vs PSV Eindhoven
Paris Saint-Germain vs Bayern Munich
Tottenham vs Copenhagen
Pafos vs Villarreal
Qarabağ vs Chelsea
Ajax vs Galatasaray
Club Brugge vs Barcelona
Inter vs Kairat Almaty
Manchester City vs Borussia Dortmund
Newcastle United vs Athletic Club
Marseille vs Atalanta
Benfica vs Leverkusen
Where to live stream UEFA Champions League matches in India?
The UEFA Champions League 2025-26 matches will be live-streamed on Sthe ony LIV app and website in India. The UCL games will also be broadcast on Sony Sports Network TV channels.