Trent Alexander-Arnold faces Liverpool boos as Arne Slot speaks out on Champions League dr

Trent Alexander-Arnold seems set for a frosty reception at Anfield after Liverpool drew Real Madrid in the Champions League league phase draw. The former Liverpool star is expected to face a hostile crowd when he returns with the Spanish titans. Alexander-Arnold, 26, departed his childhood club this summer as his contract expired, moving to Madrid amidst a wave of fan backlash.

The England right-back will now make an early return as Liverpool were drawn to host Real in one of their fixtures. They also welcome La Liga's Atletico Madrid, Dutch side PSV Eindhoven and Azerbaijan's Qarabag. While they are set to travel to last year's finalists Inter Milan, German team Eintracht Frankfurt, Ligue 1's Marseille and Turkish heavyweights Galatasaray.

But it's Real - who they defeated 2-0 at the same stage last season - that stands out as the marquee fixture for the Reds. Manager Arne Slot commented: "I think the first thing to say is that like last season, it is a very challenging draw, but we knew that it would be because in the Champions League, especially with the new format, there is no such thing as an easy draw.

"But what is also clear is that this is a very exciting draw, full of big games both home and away. To be able to welcome Real Madrid to Anfield again is something special. Last season's game was of course a memorable one - and I expect the same this time around. That is, I am sure, a fixture that the whole world will be looking at.

The Liverpool boss continued: "On a personal note,. It is always delightful to face a Dutch side in PSV Eindhoven, a club that secured the league title two years running. The same applies to Galatasaray, who have claimed three consecutive championships in Turkey, and for Qarabag, the champions of Azerbaijan.

"And to also play against sides of the calibre of Inter Milan, Atletico Madrid, Eintracht Frankfurt and Marseille shows the strength of this competition.

"None of our league-phase games will be straightforward, that is clear, but I am sure our supporters will be looking forward to all of the Anfield games and to all of the away fixtures, which will all be played in big stadiums with fanatical and passionate fans.

"They will be excited and so are we. We have a very busy schedule coming up, both domestically and in Europe, but we are excited and ready for the challenges ahead."