Alexis Mac Allister and substitute Cody Gakpo were on target as Liverpool continued their flawless start to the UEFA Champions League courtesy of a magnificent 2-0 victory over holders Real Madrid at Anfield.
Arne Slot’s Reds dominated for long spells and went close to breaking the deadlock prior to the interval, but Thibaut Courtois brilliantly denied Darwin Nunez.
The hosts moved up a gear following the break and went in front when Mac Allister played a one-two with Conor Bradley and fired a low shot into the far corner on 52 minutes.
Both sides then took turns to fluff their lines from the penalty spot with Kylian Mbappe thwarted by Caoimhin Kelleher before Mo Salah hit the outside of the post in front of the Kop.
Liverpool eventually got the second goal their performance deserved when Gakpo rose highest to power Andy Robertson’s cross into the far corner 14 minutes from time.
The result sees the Merseysiders move back to the summit of the UEFA Champions League standings with five wins from five matches.
Real are way down in 24th spot having lost three of their five outings.
Liverpool will now switch focus to a crunch Premier League clash with champions Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday, while Real Madrid host Getafe in La Liga.
Talking Point – Liverpool continue to soar as key period gets underway
This was the perfect start to a run of four significant games in 11 days as Slot’s Liverpool look to sustain their dominance at home and abroad.
A first win over the reigning champions in 15 years ensured the Merseysiders remain the only side in this season’s Champions League to have a 100% record, with qualification for the knockout stage as one of the top eight sides now looking very likely.
It will be remembered as another famous night under the L4 lights, and it sets Slot and co. up nicely for Sunday’s clash against Manchester City, with the prospect of moving 11 points clear of the Premier League champions a potential reward if they can defeat the out of sorts Citizens.
That is followed by two tough away games at Newcastle and neighbours Everton, but spirits will now be even higher on the back of this statement victory over Los Blancos as Slot’s red machine continue to pass test after test in what has been a sensational start to his tenure.
Player of the match
Conor Bradley (Liverpool). The full back enjoyed an excellent evening. A full-blooded challenge on Mbappe had the Kop purring as he marked the Frenchman out of the game. The Northern Ireland youngster then capped a fine showing with a sumptuous assist for the opening goal.
Player ratings
LIVERPOOL: Kelleher 8, Bradley 9, Konate 8, Van Dijk 8, Robertson 7, Gravenberch 8, Mac Allister 8, Jones 8, Salah 7, Nunez 7, Diaz 6. Subs: Gakpo 8, Szoboszlai 6, Gomez n/a.
REAL MADRID: Courtois 8, Valverde 6, Rudiger 7, Asencio 7, Mendy 6, Arda Guler 6, Camavinga 6, Modric 6, Bellingham 6, Mbappe 5, Brahim Diaz 6. Subs: Ceballos 6, Lucas Vazquez 7, Fran Garcia 6, Endrick n/a.
Match Highlights
04’ – LIVERPOOL CHANCE! Salah pinches the ball just inside the Reds’ half and sets Nunez away. The Uruguayan plays it back to Salah on the right side of the box but his low shot is brilliantly kept out by Courtois. Asencio tries to mop up and almost tumbles it over the line, but recovers to make a vital clearance.
23’ – LIVERPOOL CHANCE! Jones makes a nuisance of himself in the Madrid area and it drops for Nunez but his prod towards goal is brilliantly saved by the advancing Courtois.
52’ – GOAL! – Liverpool 1-0 Real Madrid: (Mac Allister). Anfield explodes as Mac Allister slots a low shot beyond Courtois’ reach after a lovely one-two with Bradley.
61’ – REAL MADRID PENALTY SAVED! Kelleher springs to his left and denies Mbappe with an excellent save. The spot kick was awarded after Robertson was adjudged to have tripped Vazquez.
70’ – LIVERPOOL PENALTY MISS! Salah clips the outside of the post with a poor spot kick as Courtois dives the wrong way. The spot kick was awarded after Egyptian bamboozled Mendy with a wonderful piece of skill.
77’ – GOAL! – Liverpool 2-0 Real Madrid: (Gakpo). The Reds double their lead as Gakpo rises highest to power Robertson’s cross from a short corner beyond Courtois.
Key Stats
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