Liverpool sent out a statement that they’re still dining at Europe’s top table as they delivered a 1-0 victory over Real Madrid in the Champions League at Anfield.
Alexis Mac Allister’s second-half header gave the Reds all three points on match-day four of the league phase - and the win could well have been more emphatic but for the heroics of Los Blancos goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
After a challenging recent run of four successive Premier League losses, there were concerns about Liverpool’s credentials. But they well and truly got the better of a European superpower who top La Liga and had an unblemished record in the Champions League this season before losing to Arne Slot’s Premier League champions.
Liverpool vs Real Madrid match report
Liverpool mustered the first chance of the game when the ball was pulled back to Alexis Mac Allister but he couldn’t keep his effort down. Seven minutes later, Kylian Mbappe had Real’s maiden opportunity but he skied a shot well over the crossbar.
The Reds were looking dangerous and on 27 minutes, they couldn’t believe they didn’t take the lead when Florian Wirtz fed in Dominik Szoboszlai but his shot was repelled by the outstretched leg of Courtois.
Szoboszlai continued to be Liverpool’s chief threat and there was a chance of a penalty when the midfielder’s shot was blocked by Aurelien Tchouameni. A free-kick was initially awarded but after a VAR review, the decision was rightly overturned completely.
Szoboszlai had two more opportunities that were well thwarted by Courtois, with Mac Allister also forcing the former Chelsea stopper into action shortly after Liverpool keeper Giorgi Mamardashvili made a smart save from Jude Bellingham at the near post.
Liverpool started the second period on the front foot and went close with three chances in as many minutes. Virgil van Dijk and Hugo Ekitike both had headers saved from corners by Courtois before the latter nodded another narrowly wide.
And in the 61st minute, the Reds deservedly broke the deadlock through a set-piece. Szoboszlai floated in a free-kick that found the run of Mac Allister, whose firm header finally got the better of Courtois to send Anfield into raptures.
Madrid did give Liverpool a scare with 15 minutes remaining when Mbappe’s first-time effort flew narrowly wide.
But if there was going to be another goal in the closing stages, it looked like it was going to be the home side. Substitute Cody Gakpo has an improvised effort kept out by Courtois before Salah’s follow-up was drilled down.
And when the full-time whistle was blown, Liverpool were full value for their triumph as they earned a statement triumph and took a step closer to qualifying for the knockout stage of the Champions League.
Liverpool player ratings vs Real Madrid
1. Girogi Mamardashvili - 7
Didn't have too much to do in the first half before staying on his feet to repel Bellingham's effort. Didn't have anything to do after the break but used the ball confidently. | Getty Images
2. Conor Bradley - 9
Didn't give the dangerous Vinicius Jr much at all and carried a threat with his pace on the attack in the first half - and a foul led to a Vinicius booking. Delivered a defensive masterclass to quell Vinicius after the break. Won three tackles and seven duels throughout the game. | Liverpool FC via Getty Images
3. Ibrahima Konate - 8
Gave Liverpool plenty of cover on their right-hand side and used the ball well in the first half. Continued that way after the break,. | Getty Images
4. Virgil van Dijk - 7
Got in the way of everything thrown at him and played a couple of his trademark diagonal passes in the first half. Dominant after the break and went so close to netting. | Getty Images