Xabi Alonso knows what Anfield sounds like when it's roaring for him. On Tuesday night, he'll find out what it feels like when it's roaring against him.

The Real Madrid manager - and Liverpool legend - is preparing for an emotional Champions League group clash at the place where he became a European champion and global star. But Alonso insists he's locking those feelings away for 90 minutes.

"It's always good to return to a place that has loved you so much," Alonso said ahead of Tuesday's game. "But we'll do our job - perform well and get a good result."

A hero of Liverpool's greatest night

Alonso arrived at Liverpool in 2004 from Real Sociedad and instantly became the calm, elegant heartbeat of Rafa Benitez's midfield. In his first season, he scored the rebound from his own saved penalty in the 2005 Champions League final - completing the historic comeback from 3-0 down against AC Milan.

Over five seasons on Merseyside, Alonso won the Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and FA Cup, reached another European final, and even scored twice from beyond midfield - including a famous long-range strike vs. Newcastle.

More than 200 appearances later, Alonso moved to Real Madrid in 2009, already beloved forever by Liverpool fans. Now, he's leading Madrid into the cauldron he once controlled. Alonso has quickly become one of Europe's most exciting young managers. And he knows returning to Anfield isn't like any other road game.

"There are moments when it feels like the stadium is roaring," he admitted. "But we have experienced players who respond well to heated atmospheres. I have a lot of faith in them."

The challenge isn't just tactical - it's mental.

"I try not to let emotions get the better of me," Alonso explained. "I want to stay focused and approach it like every game. I try to distance myself from the emotionality these games bring." Madrid's game plan? Quiet prep, big goals.

Alonso says Madrid chose to prepare at Valdebebas to avoid giving Liverpool any scouting clues. "We control the environment better," he said. "It's the smartest thing to do." He also emphasized goal differential - crucial in the new Champions League format.

"When you see weakness in the opponent, it's a good opportunity to score goals. They can be decisive." Alonso credits his years under Benitez as crucial to his development into the coach he is now. "I learned a lot about football at the highest level - not just playing, but thinking about the game," he said. "Those years helped me a lot as a player and now help me every day as a coach."