Soccer player in a white uniform with a captain's armband extending his hand in front of a large UEFA logo in a soccer stadium
SOCCER

UEFA heats up Liverpool-Real Madrid with a major decision: Fede Valverde already knows it

Xabi Alonso's team will risk it all tomorrow at Anfield in a crucial match for the season's development

After the immense joy that Real Madrid's fans experienced with the victory in El Clásico, Real Madrid is already preparing to face an even more demanding challenge. The Champions League returns tomorrow and Xabi Alonso's team will visit Anfield to take on Liverpool, a team that has spent more than €480 million ($480 million) on signings this summer. The match promises intense emotions, with two of Europe's giants facing each other in a legendary setting.

The match represents a huge challenge for Xabi Alonso's players, who arrive with sky-high morale after defeating FC Barcelona. In LaLiga, they are unstoppable, but now they must show that strength on the biggest continental stage. Real Madrid will need to keep their focus and intensity in order to take all three points from Anfield.

A Real Madrid player controls the ball while two Liverpool players try to take it away from him during a soccer match in a stadium full of spectators.
Liverpool-Madrid promises intense emotions | Europa Press

In this context, UEFA has wanted to do its part to ensure that the spectacle lives up to expectations. The European body has announced crucial information ahead of the clash between Liverpool and Real Madrid. Fede Valverde, captain and emotional leader of the team, has already been personally informed of what will happen.

Fede Valverde applauds UEFA's measure

The Uruguayan midfielder, a symbol of the team's work ethic and grit, will once again play in the center of the field. Xabi Alonso wants him close to Tchouaméni and Bellingham to dominate the midfield, but also to contain the attacks of the "reds." In addition, his position will place him near the true protagonist of the match: István Kovács, the referee appointed by UEFA.

The choice of the Romanian referee has not gone unnoticed. UEFA considers István Kovács the best referee in the world, a reference in the European scene for his rigor, authority, and experience in high-stakes matches. He was the one who officiated last year's Champions League final, a fact that proves the trust he inspires in the top organization.

István Kovács, UEFA's protégé, has officiated Real Madrid four times

UEFA has not wanted to leave anything to chance. They consider Liverpool-Real Madrid one of the best matches you can watch in Europe today and want everything to proceed with the utmost fairness. That's why István Kovács has been chosen.

At Real Madrid, UEFA's appointment has been received with satisfaction. The team's record with István Kovács as referee is very positive: four matches officiated, three wins, and only one loss. In all of them, the Romanian referee showed balanced judgment and allowed the game to flow without unnecessary interruptions.

Fede Valverde, aware of this background, knows that his role will also be key from an emotional standpoint. His leadership will be crucial to keep the team focused and avoid unnecessary protests. The Uruguayan has already proven more than enough that, in addition to stamina and sacrifice, he keeps a cool head in heated moments.

➡️ Real Madrid ➡️ Soccer

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