Liverpool produced a resurgent display to defeat Real Madrid 1-0 at Anfield in the Champions League, with Alexis Mac Allister’s header proving decisive in a gripping contest that showcased Arne Slot’s side returning to their relentless best.
After a run of six defeats in seven games, including a poor domestic spell, the reigning Premier League champions built on their weekend victory over Aston Villa with a performance full of energy, control, and conviction against their illustrious Spanish opponents.
The atmosphere inside Anfield was electric from the start, and Liverpool responded with a performance that had echoes of their most dominant European nights. Despite a narrow scoreline, the margin of superiority was far greater, with Real Madrid’s goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois delivering a masterclass in shot-stopping to keep the visitors alive for much of the evening.
Liverpool Dominate Early Exchanges
From the first whistle, Liverpool imposed themselves. Dominik Szoboszlai set the tone with his driving runs from midfield, repeatedly testing Courtois, who made four stunning saves from the Hungarian alone. Virgil van Dijk’s powerful first-half header also forced a remarkable reflex stop from the Belgian, whose heroics were the only reason the score remained goalless at half-time.
Slot’s tactical plan worked to perfection — compressing Real Madrid in midfield and limiting the influence of their star players Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappé. The visitors barely threatened Liverpool’s goal, with only one first-half chance of note when Bellingham’s shot was saved low by Giorgi Mamardashvili’s outstretched leg.
Mac Allister Breaks the Deadlock
The breakthrough finally came just after the hour mark. Szoboszlai delivered a wicked free-kick from the right, and Mac Allister ghosted between two defenders to nod the ball past Courtois from close range. The roar from the Kop was deafening, as relief and delight washed over the Anfield faithful.
It was a goal Liverpool richly deserved, and it capped another impressive showing from the Argentine midfielder, who has rediscovered his form after a sluggish start to the season.
Courtois continued to deny Liverpool a second, producing fine stops from Mohamed Salah and substitute Cody Gakpo, but Real Madrid never looked likely to equalise.
Bradley Steals the Show
If Mac Allister was the match-winner, Conor Bradley was undoubtedly the star of the night. The 22-year-old right-back, often billed as Trent Alexander-Arnold’s successor, turned in a performance that combined defensive steel with attacking drive.
He dominated his duel with Vinícius Júnior, refusing to give the Brazilian space to exploit. The Anfield crowd responded to every challenge and interception with thunderous applause, serenading the Northern Irishman’s name throughout the night.
Bradley’s rise has been interrupted by injuries, but this display felt like a defining moment in his Liverpool career — a night when he fully stepped out of Alexander-Arnold’s shadow.
Tough Return for Alexander-Arnold
Ironically, the man whose position Bradley has inherited made a dramatic late cameo — but not for Liverpool. Trent Alexander-Arnold, now a Real Madrid player, entered the field to a storm of boos from supporters who once idolised him.
The 26-year-old looked uncomfortable as the home crowd voiced their anger at his move to Spain. Real coach Xabi Alonso, another former Anfield favourite, cut a frustrated figure on the touchline as his side failed to find rhythm or composure.
Bellingham and Mbappé were both subdued, their influence stifled by Liverpool’s intensity and structure. Mbappé’s night, in particular, was one to forget — full of misplaced passes and isolated dribbles.
A Statement Win
The result lifts Liverpool into sixth place in the group standings, enough to secure a place in the knockout phase without needing a play-off if they maintain their position.
For Slot, this was a night of vindication — his side rediscovering the pressing, energy, and teamwork that had deserted them during their recent slump. With the crowd roaring them on and confidence restored, Liverpool looked once again like a team capable of challenging Europe’s elite.
Real Madrid, meanwhile, leave Anfield well beaten despite the slim scoreline — their pride preserved only by Courtois’ brilliance.
Player of the Match: Conor Bradley (Liverpool, rating 9.22)
