Liverpool claimed a statement 2-0 victory over defending Champions League holders Real Madrid on Wednesday, handing the Spanish giants their third defeat in five matches this campaign.
Goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo in the second half secured the win for the Reds, who maintained their perfect record in the group stage and reclaimed the top spot on the table. The result also marked Arne Slot’s 17th win in 19 matches since taking charge, a feat achieved with a commanding performance against the reigning champions.
Penalty Drama Highlights Tense Encounter
The match featured penalty drama on both ends. Kylian Mbappé, Real Madrid’s star forward, saw his penalty saved by Liverpool’s goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, while Mohamed Salah missed the target from the spot for the hosts. Despite the misses, Liverpool capitalized on their dominance to seal the win.
Dominance from the Start
Liverpool came into the match with a point to prove, having suffered defeats to Real Madrid in Champions League finals in 2018 and 2022. They were relentless from the onset, with Darwin Núñez testing Thibaut Courtois early on, only to be denied by the Madrid goalkeeper’s sharp reflexes.
Courtois, a familiar tormentor from the 2022 final, kept his side in the game with a series of impressive saves, including a close-range stop against Conor Bradley early in the second half.
Mac Allister and Gakpo Secure Victory
Liverpool broke the deadlock in the 52nd minute when Bradley set up Mac Allister, who created space and fired a precise shot into the far corner, igniting celebrations at a raucous Anfield.
Substitute Cody Gakpo sealed the win in the 74th minute, rising highest from a corner to head past Courtois and give Liverpool a comfortable cushion.
Real Madrid’s Struggles
Real Madrid, hampered by a spate of injuries to key players including Vinícius Jr., Rodrygo, David Alaba, and Eder Militão, struggled to find their rhythm. Their reliance on Mbappé for a moment of brilliance was thwarted by a solid Liverpool defense marshaled by Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté.
Mbappé’s missed penalty, following a contentious foul call against Andy Robertson, summed up Madrid’s frustrating evening.
