So today I decided to dig into the biggest stars who’ve played for Liverpool and Real Madrid over the years when they’ve faced each other. Wanted to actually list out those all-time lineups, you know? Sounds easy until you actually try it.
The Starting Point
First thing I did was grab my laptop and open a new spreadsheet. Figured I’d list players by position for both clubs across the big European matches. Kicked things off by jotting down names from memory – thought I knew my footy well enough. Ha! Big mistake. Drew a total blank trying to recall Madrid’s left-back from the 80s clashes. Had to shut the laptop lid and actually hit the books.
The Research Mess
Dug out every season review book, old match programmes, and even went through my box of newspaper clippings (God knows why I keep those dust collectors). Spent hours cross-checking who actually played in the starting eleven in those big Champions League finals and knockout games over the decades. Found myself shouting at an ’81 programme: “You can’t tell me Alan Kennedy started in ’81 but not list the subs?!” The missus gave me proper side-eye from the sofa.
- Checked stats sites for appearance records – half the time didn’t trust them
- Made endless notes like “Sami Hyypia 2005 YES” and “Ronaldo (Brazil) NO – only league games?!”
- Drank three coffees trying to figure out if Xabi Alonso counted for Liverpool side or Madrid side depending on the year (answer: both!)
Putting It Together
Finally had my messy piles of scribbled notes everywhere. Tried grouping players by position and era – felt like juggling. Who makes the “all-time” cut? Do I pick based on one legendary performance or consistency? Argued with myself over this while reorganizing the spreadsheet:
- Strikers section became a warzone – Torres or Rush? Raúl or Benzema?
- Midfield was brutal. Picking between Gerrard, Souness, Alonso… felt like choosing favourite kids
- Madrid’s defence lists look disgustingly stacked throughout history
Seriously questioned my life choices when I caught myself debating Phil Neal vs Dani Carvajal at 11pm. My spreadsheet crashed twice from too many names. Had to simplify everything into two ultimate “dream teams” per club mixing eras. Probably pissed off half of Merseyside and Madrid doing it.
The Final (Flawed) Picture
Ended up with something. Is it perfect? Hell no. Will fans argue till the pubs close? Absolutely. Here’s the gist of the monstrously opinionated list I barely wrestled into shape:
- Liverpool GKs: Clemence dominating most slots, but Alisson got recent love
- Madrid Defense: Ramos and Roberto Carlos always in. Nightmare fuel for any attacker
- Midfield Battle: Stuck Gerrard with Modrić. Pure chaos energy right there
- Strikeforce: Salah paired with Dalglish, facing Ronaldo (CR7) and Di Stefano up top. God knows how that ends
Honestly? The exercise broke me. Remembered Raúl scored against us in 2009 literally as I was finalising Madrid’s attack. Almost threw my coffee mug. There’s ALWAYS someone you miss. And forget about subs – bench alone could fill another spreadsheet. Published my version online knowing full well some fan will scream “WHERE’S HAMANN?!” in the comments. That’s football for you. At least the pub’s open.
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