Liverpool Ease past Real Madrid
Winless against Los Blanco since 2009, a confident Anfield set the stage for a blockbuster clash that felt like a final. Real Madrid sought to revive their stuttering Champions League campaign—and where better to do it than on the grandest stage?
Aggression and speed defined Slot's Liverpool. Gravenberch, sitting deeper than Jones and Mac Allister, expertly exploited the space left by Madrid’s midfield, collecting the ball and driving forward with ease. Brahim Díaz dropped back to plug the gap, but the Dutchman’s close control and incisive passing nullified his efforts.
Liverpool's shape caused Real to drop off, subsequently allowing themselves more space, the lions share of possession & limiting Madrid to ineffective counterattacks. With Trent Alexander-Arnold out, many would have favoured World Cup winner Mbappé over youngster Conor Bradley. A standout moment came when Bradley's crucial tackle stopped Mbappé from breaking through, earning thunderous applause from the Anfield faithful. Madrid, meanwhile, were wasteful in the final third, squandering possession with poor passes and touches, leaving Kelleher untested.
In contrast, Liverpool were an attacking juggernaut. Though the first half ended goalless, Darwin Núñez delivered a stellar performance. His inspired runs, pinpoint passes, relentless pressing, and defensive work rate were all exemplary—only a floating header narrowly missing the post denied him the spotlight.
The second half saw Madrid buckle under relentless pressure. Mac Allister capitalised to break the deadlock, coolly finishing a well-worked chance that he created through his movement. True to their reputation, Madrid clawed their way back into the game. Robertson, struggling for form this season, conceded a penalty, gifting Mbappé the chance to level. Yet, in a miraculous moment, Kelleher denied arguably the world’s best player from the spot to preserve Liverpool’s lead.
Up the other end, Mo Salah turned Ferland Mendy inside out to win a penalty. In a bizarre moment, the Egyptian’s powerful strike rattled the post and sailed wide. Liverpool’s frustration was short-lived. Robertson redeemed himself with a sublime cross that Gakpo guided past Courtois, doubling the lead and sealing a dominant performance.
Liverpool's flawless Champions League run continued, making them the only team with a perfect record. Van Dijk marshalled his defence with authority, ensuring Kelleher was rarely troubled, while the midfield dismantled Madrid’s setup, creating chance after chance against the reigning champions.
For Madrid, a poor start to the competition now includes three losses from five. While injuries weakened Ancelotti’s side, they still fielded world-class talent but were thoroughly outplayed and outworked. Their counterattacks were stifled, and they failed to sustain any meaningful pressure. Despite this, Madrid can never be entirely counted out—but this was a night to forget for the holders.
