Real Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso(Image: Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Xabi Alonso has explained why Real Madrid have chosen not to train at Anfield the evening before their Champions League showdown against Liverpool on Tuesday. It is common practice in European competition for away teams to hold an open training session - where the first 15 minutes can be watched and recorded by journalists - at the host stadium, usually the night before the match.

However, it is not statutory, with UEFA giving clubs the option to instead train elsewhere earlier in the day provided the head coach and at least one player attend a press conference at the stadium.

Liverpool have regularly taken such an approach in recent years, which a fortnight ago proved beneficial after a delay to their flight to Germany for the Champions League game at Eintracht Frankfurt meant they didn't land until late at night.