Mac Allister brothers go head-to-head in Europe

 Alexis Mac Allister and Kevin Mac Allister are preparing to face each other in the Europa League on Thursday night, as Liverpool take on Union Saint-Gilloise at Anfield (20:00 BST).

There will be a family reunion on the pitch as the two Argentinian brothers meet in Group E of the competition.

Speaking to Liverpool's website, the brothers explained their journey into football: "We've got great memories of playing football as kids and how special it was to be playing together. I think it was important for our development too," said Alexis.

Kevin revealed what he said to Alexis when he signed for Liverpool: "The most important thing is to always enjoy it. I think Liverpool is a nice place to improve for Alexis. He's in one of the best teams in the world, I think, in history. I'm very proud of him and I really enjoy it when he plays for Liverpool."

Alexis on the moment he found out Liverpool would be playing Union Saint-Gilloise: "I remember one of the guys from the staff told me that we were in the same group and I couldn't believe it. So yes, it was pretty special for me."

Kevin added: "We [the team] were on the plane and the pilot said that we were going to play against LASK, then Toulouse, and then he made a little pause. I remember thinking that we can't be playing against Liverpool, but then he said Liverpool!

"For me, being able to play against my brother was really special. If the coach puts me in the XI, playing at one of the best stadiums in history and listening to 'You'll Never Walk Alone' will be incredible."

But Reds midfielder Alexis had some fighting talk for his brother: "Hopefully you don't enjoy it. I want you to suffer and hopefully you will not want to play us again. I've been at Anfield as a Liverpool player and as an away player, and I can tell you as an away player you'll feel the stadium and the crowd."

On Thursday night, as Liverpool played Union Saint-Gilloise at Anfield in the Europa League, Argentine player Alexis Mac Allister of Brighton & Hove Albion and his younger brother Kevin Mac Allister of Union Saint-Gilloise squared up against one another.

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McAllister, Kevin

Given that the two brothers had never before faced off in a competitive game, it was a memorable occasion for them.

After the game, Alexis commented, "It was a dream come true. "We've always wanted to play against each other, and it was finally possible."

Kevin agreed with his brother's remarks.

He stated, "It was a great experience. "To play against my brother in Europe was something I'll never forget."

Liverpool won the game 3-2, but the Mac Allister brothers didn't care too much about the score.

Whoever won didn't matter, according to Alexis. "Just to be on the pitch with my brother was special enough."

Kevin concurred.

"It was a great night for our family," he stated. "We're all very proud of each other."

Two of Argentinian football's most promising young talents are the Mac Allister brothers. Both are anticipated to have significant contributions for Argentina at the FIFA World Cup in 2026.

In the upcoming years, it will be intriguing to observe how their careers progress. But one thing is certain: because of the night they sparred in the arena, they will always share a particular kinship.