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
5. Andy Robertson - 8
Gave Liverpool an outlet down the flank but may have been slightly fortunate his challenge on Arda Guler did not concede a penalty. Gave away nothing in the second half and made one important headed clearance in his own box. Subbed in the 88th minute. | AFP via Getty Images
6. Ryan Gravenberch - 8
Picked up some clever defensive positions in the first half to stop Madrid attacks before they even got going. Got forward more often after the break and won the free-kick for the opening goal before making a big block from a Mbappe shot. | Liverpool FC via Getty Images
7. Alexis Mac Allister - 8
Snapped and snarled away in the first half and kept things simple before stinging the palms of Courtois. Made a tactical foul to stop Mbappe breaking away that earned him a booking but the applause of Anfield before keeping his composure to head home the opening goal. Subbed in the 79th minute. | Liverpool FC via Getty Images
8. Mo Salah - 7
Gave Alvaro Carreras plenty to think about in the first half without landing a killer blow. Grew into the second half as it wore on as he started to again cause Carreras problems and picked out Gakpo for a chance before having a shot blocked. | Getty Images