Alexis Mac Allister was once again Liverpool’s hero on the European stage, scoring against Real Madrid for the second consecutive season as Arne Slot’s side claimed a hard-fought 1-0 victory in their UEFA Champions League (UCL) league phase encounter at Anfield, contrary to the pre-game prediction, which expected Real Madrid to take control of Liverpool’s recent dip in form.
Softfootball reports that the buildup to the match was filled with intrigue, not least due to Trent Alexander-Arnold’s return to Merseyside. The right-back started on the bench, watching on as Liverpool made a bright start. Mac Allister set the tone early, firing just over the bar, before Thibaut Courtois produced a superb save to deny Dominik Szoboszlai, who was cleverly found by Florian Wirtz.
The game’s first major talking point arrived just after the half-hour mark when referee István Kovács initially awarded Liverpool a free kick for Aurélien Tchouaméni’s apparent handball on the edge of the area. However, following a VAR review, the decision was overturned, much to the frustration of the Anfield crowd, who had expected a penalty. Liverpool didn’t lose focus, and Szoboszlai responded with a fierce right-footed strike that Courtois again managed to turn away.
The first half ended on a knife’s edge, with both Jude Bellingham and Mac Allister going close in a thrilling spell before the interval. Also, Florian Wirtz contributed well after his manager defended him in the pre-game press conference.
The second half began with Liverpool firmly on the front foot, launching wave after wave of attack. Courtois was in inspired form, producing two outstanding saves to deny headers from Virgil van Dijk and Hugo Ekitike, before the latter narrowly missed another chance moments later. But the Belgian’s resistance was finally broken when Mac Allister rose highest to meet Szoboszlai’s free-kick, powering home a brilliant header to give Liverpool a deserved lead.
It was the Argentine’s third career UCL goal, and notably, his second against Real Madrid, cementing his reputation as a man for the big occasion. Also, the win secured consecutive clean sheets for Liverpool, a feat recognised on the club’s official X handle.
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Alexander-Arnold entered the fray in the 81st minute, replacing Arda Güler, though his return was met with a mixed reception from the home crowd. Courtois continued to battle valiantly, denying Cody Gakpo from close range, but Real Madrid ultimately struggled to find a response.
Liverpool held firm to secure what could prove a crucial victory in their campaign, their first set of back-to-back wins since a seven-match streak ended with defeat to Crystal Palace in late September.
For Xabi Alonso’s men, the defeat extends a worrying trend, as Real Madrid have now won just two of their last 10 matches against English opposition (D3, L5).
It was a night to remember at Anfield, one where Slot’s Liverpool showed grit, creativity, and the composure needed to topple Europe’s most successful club.
