Liverpool produced one of their finest performances of the season, overpowering Real Madrid 1–0 at Anfield to strengthen their Champions League campaign.
Arne Slot’s men dominated from start to finish, securing back-to-back victories for the first time since September, following their weekend triumph over Aston Villa.
Alexis Mac Allister netted the decisive goal just after the hour mark, glancing in a clever free-kick from Dominik Szoboszlai to finally beat the inspired Thibaut Courtois. In truth, the scoreline did Real Madrid a favour.
The Spanish side were kept in the contest only by Courtois’ brilliance, as Liverpool’s 2.58 expected goals dwarfed Madrid’s modest 0.45.
The match revolved around two key battles, Conor Bradley’s tireless effort to contain Vinícius Júnior down the right, and Courtois’ defiance in goal.
The Belgian goalkeeper, so often Liverpool’s tormentor in Europe, was at his exceptional best once again, denying Szoboszlai three times in the opening half, including one breathtaking stop from point-blank range after Florian Wirtz’s clever assist.
Wirtz, making his most impressive showing yet in a Liverpool shirt, created five first-half chances, a feat last matched by Mohamed Salah in January against Brentford.
His creativity and energy epitomized Liverpool’s high-tempo approach that left Madrid chasing shadows.
Even after the break, Courtois continued his heroics, producing two stunning saves to thwart Virgil van Dijk and Hugo Ekitike in quick succession.
But his resistance finally broke when Mac Allister’s deft touch steered Szoboszlai’s free-kick into the net.
Madrid offered little in response, with Kylian Mbappé’s low effort across goal their only real sight of scoring. Not even the introduction of Trent Alexander-Arnold, loudly booed on his return to Anfield, could inject life into Xabi Alonso’s side, who mustered only eight shots, their fewest in over a year.
For Liverpool, this was a statement night, a reminder of their European pedigree and resilience.
With three wins from four in the group stage, and a performance brimming with confidence and control, Slot’s men look ready to turn their continental form into a springboard for domestic revival.
UCL: Mac Allister fires Liverpool to 1-0 win over Real Madrid
Liverpool produced one of their finest performances of the season, overpowering Real Madrid 1–0 at Anfield to strengthen their Champions League campaign.
Arne Slot’s men dominated from start to finish, securing back-to-back victories for the first time since September, following their weekend triumph over Aston Villa.
Alexis Mac Allister netted the decisive goal just after the hour mark, glancing in a clever free-kick from Dominik Szoboszlai to finally beat the inspired Thibaut Courtois. In truth, the scoreline did Real Madrid a favour.
The Spanish side were kept in the contest only by Courtois’ brilliance, as Liverpool’s 2.58 expected goals dwarfed Madrid’s modest 0.45.
The match revolved around two key battles, Conor Bradley’s tireless effort to contain Vinícius Júnior down the right, and Courtois’ defiance in goal.
The Belgian goalkeeper, so often Liverpool’s tormentor in Europe, was at his exceptional best once again, denying Szoboszlai three times in the opening half, including one breathtaking stop from point-blank range after Florian Wirtz’s clever assist.
Wirtz, making his most impressive showing yet in a Liverpool shirt, created five first-half chances, a feat last matched by Mohamed Salah in January against Brentford.
His creativity and energy epitomized Liverpool’s high-tempo approach that left Madrid chasing shadows.
Even after the break, Courtois continued his heroics, producing two stunning saves to thwart Virgil van Dijk and Hugo Ekitike in quick succession.
But his resistance finally broke when Mac Allister’s deft touch steered Szoboszlai’s free-kick into the net.
Madrid offered little in response, with Kylian Mbappé’s low effort across goal their only real sight of scoring. Not even the introduction of Trent Alexander-Arnold, loudly booed on his return to Anfield, could inject life into Xabi Alonso’s side, who mustered only eight shots, their fewest in over a year.
For Liverpool, this was a statement night, a reminder of their European pedigree and resilience.
With three wins from four in the group stage, and a performance brimming with confidence and control, Slot’s men look ready to turn their continental form into a springboard for domestic revival.
