Xabi Alonso explains why Real Madrid won’t train at Anfield before Liverpool clash

It is common practice in European competition for away teams to hold an open training session at the host stadium the night before a match

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Xabi Alonso has explained why Real Madrid have opted not to train at Anfield on the eve of their Champions League showdown with Liverpool on Tuesday.

It is common practice in European competition for away teams to hold an open training session at the host stadium the night before a match, with the first 15 minutes typically open to journalists for observation and filming.

However, this is not mandatory. UEFA regulations allow clubs to train elsewhere earlier in the day, as long as the head coach and at least one player attend a pre-match press conference at the stadium.

Liverpool have often taken this approach in recent years.

It proved particularly useful a fortnight ago, when a delayed flight to Germany for their Champions League tie against Eintracht Frankfurt meant they didn’t arrive until late at night.

Real Madrid have now chosen to follow a similar plan.

Alonso’s side will train at their headquarters in Madrid on Monday morning before flying to England later in the day, with their press conference scheduled to take place at Anfield in the early evening.

“It’s my decision because we have to prepare for the match, and we prefer to do it at our training ground, in our own space, so we don’t get caught by 200 cameras,” said Real head coach Xabi Alonso.

Real Madrid enter the match having won 13 of 14 games this season, starting a run of six straight away fixtures with their trip to Anfield.

They beat Valencia 4-0 at the Bernabeu on Saturday, where Vinicius Junior missed a penalty just days after a public spat with Xabi Alonso.

Kylian Mbappe, on a brace, had handed him the spot kick instead of taking it himself.

Alonso was less than impressed on the touchline, but said later: “It was because he missed the penalty; it could have been 3-0 before half-time, but then Jude (Bellingham) scored. It was the frustration of not being able to go up 3-0, that’s all.

“We assign the penalty takers, and Kylian is the first one. Then they make decisions. I like it when they score penalties because it’s a good opportunity.

“Kylian scored the first one, and I would have liked him to score the second one too. It’s not a big deal. Kylian is still the first one.”

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