Why Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich could hinge on an intriguing Liverpool reunion

What a difference a year can make. We are 20 days out from the first anniversary of Liverpool sealing their 20th Premier League title , a triumph of which Trent Alexander-Arnold and Luis Diaz were integral to. They will now be pitted against each other for two different teams - Real Madrid and Bayern Munich - in a colossal Champions League quarter-final, having gone down vastly contrasting paths since that afternoon of ecstasy at Anfield.

The local hero among Liverpool title-winners, Alexander-Arnold turned villain within the week of their crowning moment. The confirmation of his departure at the end of his contract, set to swap his boyhood club for a fierce European rival who had dealt the Reds so much heartache in years gone by, left a vocal section of the fanbase feeling betrayed and shortchanged. The right-back was 26, already among the best in his position but theoretically yet to enter his prime years, but bid farewell for only a fraction of his worth ; Liverpool had the Club World Cup schedule to thank for the £10m that came in return, otherwise he would have left for free.

It was anything but a clean break. Trent Alexander-Arnold’s departure from Liverpool was anything but a clean break (Getty Images) Two months later, Diaz followed out the door and garnered a reaction that diametrically opposed the wrath Alexander-Arnold received. Diaz was nearing his 30s, in his prime but at a point where his return on investment was probably at its peak, especially considering he had less than two years left on his contract.

So despite an impressive season, where he was utilised effectively both on the left and up front, supporters accepted the decision to cash in on the Columbian as he made the move to Bayern Munich for £65. 5m. It wasn’t as if Diaz didn’t want to move; it was quite the opposite, having also asked to leave the summer the prior.