Liverpool produced a dominant performance at Anfield to overpower Real Madrid and secure a vital Champions League win. Arne Slot’s Premier League champions ended a poor run of six defeats in seven matches by beating Aston Villa last weekend, and they carried that momentum into Europe.
Liverpool’s display looked even stronger than the 1–0 scoreline suggested. Alexis Mac Allister finally broke through in the second half, while former Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold, now at Real, watched much of the game from the bench as his new team struggled.
Real goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois produced several world-class saves, stopping four efforts from Dominik Szoboszlai and a reflex header from Virgil van Dijk. But Courtois could not prevent Mac Allister from heading home Szoboszlai’s free-kick after 61 minutes.
When Alexander-Arnold entered late in the game, Liverpool fans booed him fiercely. Real, with Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappé unusually quiet, failed to threaten as Slot’s side secured three crucial points.
Bradley Shines as Liverpool Regain Their Edge
Conor Bradley delivered an inspired performance at right-back, proving why many see him as Alexander-Arnold’s long-term successor. The 22-year-old Northern Irish defender relished his battle with Vinícius Jr, winning cheers from Liverpool fans who loudly celebrated his dominance.
Bradley, whose progress had been slowed by injuries, embodied Liverpool’s renewed spirit and aggression. Szoboszlai orchestrated play brilliantly in midfield, testing Courtois repeatedly, while match-winner Mac Allister’s return to top form revitalised the side.
Liverpool’s defence stayed solid throughout, giving Real no clear chances. Only Courtois’s brilliance delayed the inevitable. The win lifted Liverpool to sixth in the table, putting them in position to qualify directly for the Champions League last 16.
Real Madrid Falter as Stars Go Missing
Jude Bellingham entered the match seeking to prove himself after being dropped from Thomas Tuchel’s England squad. Despite his strong form in La Liga, he barely influenced the game as Liverpool controlled possession and tempo from start to finish.
Bellingham’s only real moment came in the first half when Giorgi Mamardashvili saved his close-range effort. Courtois stood out with heroic saves that kept the scoreline respectable, showing why many rate him alongside Liverpool’s Alisson as the world’s best.
Vinícius Jr. struggled under Bradley’s relentless marking, and Mbappé endured one of his quietest performances. Alexander-Arnold’s return to Anfield turned sour as fans jeered him throughout his cameo appearance.
Former Liverpool midfielder and current Real coach Xabi Alonso watched helplessly from the touchline as his team failed to match Liverpool’s energy, intensity, or hunger on a night that restored Anfield’s roar.
