"I was moved until I saw him", "Ruined the lineup" - Fans unhappy with Real Madrid star's inclusion in XI to face Liverpool

Fans have reacted to Real Madrid including left-back Ferland Mendy in their XI to face Liverpool in a UEFA Champions League clash at Anfield on Wednesday (November 27).

Los Blancos are coming off a surprise 3-1 home defeat to AC Milan in their previous outing in the competition, their second loss in four games. However, they are in good form recently, winning their two games - both in La Liga - after the Milan defeat, without conceding.

Nevertheless, fans aren't enthused to see Mendy starting against the Premier League leaders.

One tweeted:

"I was moved until I saw Mendy"

Another chimed in:

"Why Mendy, why why"

Other fans shared similar reactions, with one posting:

"Mendy being the only mistake in that line-up bro"

Another commented:

"Mendy ruined the line-up"

Another fan tweeted:

"Perfect, but I wish Fran Garcia started ahead of Ferland Mendy"

Mendy, 29, has played 13 times across competitions for Los Blancos this season, starting nine times, but hasn't registered a goal contribution. The Frenchman was on the bench in Madrid's last two La Liga games - against Osasuna and Leganes - following the aforementioned Milan defeat.

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Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti previews Liverpool clash

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti foresees a difficult clash at leaders Liverpool, who have fared well in the UEFA Champions League this season. The Reds are the only side to win their opening four games, while Madrid have won two.

Los Blancos - the holders - enjoy a head-to-head advantage over the Reds, winning seven of 11 Champions League meetings, losing thrice. That includes wins in their last three clashes, one of them being the 2018 final.

Nevertheless, considering the pedigree of the two sides in Europe and the Reds' current form, Ancelotti isn't taking things for granted. The Italian said in his pre-match press conference (as per Madrid Universal):

“We are two historic clubs. We each have our own characteristics, and we will see who imposes them. Liverpool are always very competitive. It was with Klopp; it is with the new coach."

Indeed, the Reds are flying in England and Europe under new boss Arne Slot, who replaced the legendary Jurgen Klopp this summer. While they are eight points clear at the top in the Premier League, the seven-time winners will reclaim top spot in the Champions League standings if they avoid defeat against Ancelotti's side.