Liverpool reclaimed the leading position in the Champions League standings and achieved their first win against Real Madrid in 15 years on Wednesday, securing a convincing 2-0 victory with goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo.
The Reds’ dominance was such that they could tolerate a rare penalty miss by Mohamed Salah amidst his goals, as they secured their fifth victory in five matches to be two points ahead at the top of the newly structured league.
Real Madrid Struggles Continue
On a dismal evening for the Spaniards, who currently sit 24th in the 36-team tournament, Kylian Mbappe was effectively contained and also failed to convert a penalty that could have equalized the score for Real Mandrid against the flow of the game in the 2nd half.
Mac Allister and Gakpo Lead the Charge
Mac Allister scored the first goal in the 52nd minute after a clean one-two with Conor Bradley in front of a delirious Kop end at Anfield, as Liverpool dominated possession and opportunities against the Champions League winners.
In the 76th minute, Cody Gakpo headed a cross from Robertson past Courtois to seal the victory.
Players and Coaches React to the Win
It’s always nice to score when you play against teams like Real Madrid, but what matters most is that we won, and I think in a really good way, Mac Allister said.
“We controlled the match, we earned this.”
The outcome marked another impressive achievement for manager Arne Slot at Liverpool, who not only boasts a perfect record in the Champions League but also leads the Premier League by eight points.
Ending a Frustrating Run Against Real Madrid
Liverpool had not secured a victory against Real Madrid since 2009, struggling to win any of the last eight encounters, which included two disappointing Champions League final losses.
It’s a big result, and it was a huge game for us. They got the better of us in the Champions League the last few times, so we wanted to come out here tonight and put on a show, goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher stated.
Kelleher Shines with Crucial Penalty Save
His stop of the penalty taken by a struggling Mbappe in the second half elicited one of the loudest cheers of the evening. I don’t focus too much on the player, I felt confident and fortunately, I guessed the right direction once more, he stated.
Slot has exceeded expectations in taking over from his well-liked predecessor Juergen Klopp, introducing a greater sense of calm and control to Liverpool’s gameplay while still preserving their intense high press and exciting attacking approach.
Courtois and Bradley: Key Moments in the Match
The home team might have taken control of the match in the first half, as Darwin Nunez had three excellent opportunities but was thwarted by Courtois, who was in outstanding form. The loudest applause of the first half erupted when right-back Conor Bradley made a remarkable tackle to halt Mbappe’s powerful advance toward the goal.
Second-Half Drama and Salah’s Surprising Miss
In the second half, after Kelleher saved Mbappe’s feeble penalty, Salah left the crowd in shock as he sent his penalty kick past the post.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti is having a tough time in the Champions League. His team has lost three out of five games.
To be completely truthful, I believe the outcome was just. Liverpool earned their victory. They possess a great level of synergy right now, he admitted with grace.
Champions League Qualification Overview
The leading 8 teams secure automatic qualification for the round of 16, whereas the following 16 teams will compete in a two-legged playoff to join them.
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