Liverpool finally ended their Real Madrid curse as they maintained their flawless Champions League record with a fully deserved victory in a thrilling encounter at Anfield.
They had failed to beat the holders in eight previous meetings in the tournament – including two Champions League finals – but there was no denying Liverpool as head coach Arne Slot’s remarkable start in succession to Jurgen Klopp continues.
Liverpool dominated Carlo Ancelotti’s side, who have now lost three of their five games and must fight for a play-off place in the tournament’s new format.
In a game where the two superstars, Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah and Real’s Kylian Mbappe, failed from the penalty spot, Alexis Mac Allister put the hosts ahead after 52 minutes with a low shot across Thibaut Courtois in front of an elated Kop.
Real then squandered the chance to draw level as Caoimhin Kelleher saved Mbappe’s penalty following Andy Robertson’s foul on Lucas Vazquez.
Slot’s side then missed a spot-kick of their own when Salah blasted wide after he had been upended by Ferland Mendy.
Liverpool did not have to wait long to increase their lead, substitute Cody Gakpo heading past Courtois from Robertson’s cross 14 minutes from time, putting them top of the Champions League table with five wins from five.
Liverpool’s relentless march goes on
Liverpool’s victory over Real Madrid will taste especially sweet, given their recent disappointments against the tournament’s most successful club – and this almost flawless display added to the growing sense that something special may be happening under the under-stated Dutchman Slot.
He has made it a seamless transition from his iconic predecessor Klopp, Liverpool’s more measured but still potent approach rattling off a string of impressive victories that has left them eight points clear at the top of the Premier League as well as heading the Champions League standings.
Liverpool heroes everywhere on a night when Real Madrid were overrun, big names such as Mbappe and Jude Bellingham simply unable to exert any influence.
Keeper Kelleher demonstrated what an outstanding deputy he is to first-choice Alisson, not only saving Mbappe’s penalty but making other key contributions in another supremely assured performance.
And in 21-year-old right-back Conor Bradley, Liverpool showed they may just have the perfect replacement should Trent Alexander-Arnold take the road to Madrid in the summer.
This was, above all, an outstanding team performance and the perfect appetiser for Sunday’s vital meeting with struggling Premier League champions Manchester City at Anfield.
