TAA moves step closer to Liverpool return after Champions League drama

Trent Alexander-Arnold could be heading back to Anfield later this year following recent developments at Real Madrid

Trent Alexander-Arnold edged closer to a possible Liverpool comeback following a contentious evening in the Champions League. The Reds have already secured their place in the last 16, allowing Arne Slot's squad to observe this month's play-offs before continuing their pursuit of a seventh European title in March.

The opening round of play-off fixtures commenced on Tuesday. Liverpool edged nearer to discovering their last-16 opposition after Galatasaray thrashed Juventus 5-2, and the landscape heading deeper into the competition has become somewhat clearer.

Real Madrid staged a rematch of their dramatic final league phase defeat to Benfica. This time, though, the Spanish heavyweights prevailed over their Portuguese rivals.

The clash didn't come without controversy, however. Vinicius Jr netted the sole goal of the encounter in Lisbon, guaranteeing Real will carry a 1-0 advantage back to the Bernabeu for next week's second leg.

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The match had to be suspended for approximately 10 minutes following the goal after Vinicius claimed he had been subjected to racist abuse, which Alexander-Arnold called "a disgrace." Vinicius reported a remark directed at him by Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni, prompting referee Francois Letexier to activate UEFA's anti-racism protocol.

Chaos erupted as a backroom staff member was dismissed, while Jose Mourinho attempted to speak with a visibly incensed Vinicius before he was shown a red card. Prestianni had been spotted on camera covering his mouth with his shirt as he conversed with Vinicius before the report was made to the referee.

The match did eventually restart, with Real maintaining its advantage as Mourinho was subsequently sent off. The outcome means Alvaro Arbeloa's side are now a step closer to securing a place in the last 16 and another potential return to Liverpool for Alexander-Arnold later in the competition.

The two sides have already clashed this season, with the Reds recording a 1-0 victory at Anfield during the league phase. And they could meet again in the semi-finals should they both progress that far.

Liverpool will discover which side of the draw they will be placed in on February 27 when it will be paired with one of either Galatasaray or Juventus, or one of Club Brugge or Atletico Madrid. The former would put it on course for a potential meeting with Real and Alexander-Arnold.

Elsewhere in the competition, Paris Saint-Germain came from 2-0 down to defeat fellow French side Monaco 3-2, with the defending European champions set to have home advantage in the second leg next week. PSG could be a potential quarter-final opponent for Liverpool in a possible replay of last-season's last-16 showdown.

Borussia Dortmund also secured victory, defeating Atalanta 2-0 in the first leg of their clash in Germany. And both of those teams are potential semi-final adversaries for the Reds.