Anfield Remembrance: Madrid's Quiet Tribute to Jota as Arnold and Alonso Lead the Moment
3 November 2025
Tribute at Anfield
A Real Madrid delegation, including Trent Alexander-Arnold, Xabi Alonso, Din Huisen, and Emilio Butragueno, visited Anfield to honor Liverpool's late Diogo Jota, who passed away last summer. They placed a wreath in front of a mural dedicated to the Portuguese forward, expressing deep respect for his impact on the pitch and in the locker room.
The moment carried a heavy, emotional atmosphere, especially for Alexander-Arnold, who had shared a dressing room with Jota during his time at Liverpool.
Liverpool will host Real Madrid on Tuesday at Anfield, in the fourth matchday of the Champions League group stage.
Madrid's lineup and injury note
Madrid's squad included most of the first team, led by Rodrygo and Vinícius Júnior, with notable names like Mbappé and Jude Bellingham also in the mix, alongside Trent Alexander-Arnold in the travel party.
The club’s reports also highlighted Franco Mastantano, an 18-year-old Argentinian forward, who was left out due to an injury that AS described as mysterious and variable in its presentation across players. He has been advised to limit physical activity to prevent muscle stiffness, with precise exertion levels left to medical judgment.
AS noted that Mastantano felt recurrent pains in recent days, which prevented him from taking part in today’s training and confined him to gym work at Valdebebas. Since then, his status remains unclear for Liverpool or subsequent fixtures.
According to AS, Mastantano has appeared in all Madrid matches this season except for games against Real Sociedad and Barcelona, accumulating 689 minutes with one goal and one assist.
The medical staff continue daily monitoring, recommending restricted physical activity until symptoms fully fade, with a decision on training comms and match participation to follow in the coming days.
Madrid’s lineup reportedly contemplated keeping Camavinga in the starting XI rather than relying on Mastantano, a plan that mirrored the approach seen in the last Clasico.
Beyond the tactical talk, Mastantano’s possible return remains uncertain, potentially affecting both the Liverpool clash and upcoming fixtures, including national-team duties during the international break.
Arnold’s remarks and the day’s atmosphere underscored the peculiar blend of nostalgia and competition: a former teammate facing his old club on a European stage.
Arnold stated that he would always love Liverpool, no matter how he is received at Anfield on Tuesday. He spoke with Prime Video Sport about the draw feeling almost fated, and he expressed excitement for a tough, respectful match. He added he would not celebrate if he scores against his former team and that crowd reception is a decision for the fans to make. He reiterated that his love for the club would endure, with memories that last a lifetime, regardless of the welcome he gets.
Punchlines ahead for readers:
Punchline 1: If this game were a movie, the trailer would be a tear-jerker with a last-minute twist and a standing ovation—bonus points if the ball behaves better than my fantasy team.
Punchline 2: Two managers, countless legends, and one ball—talk about a plot where the only thing not confusing is the referee’s whistle.
