Liverpool's triumph over Real Madrid wasn't just a victory; it was a statement. It was a declaration that the spirit of Arne Slot's title-winning team was very much alive and kicking, even against the formidable Real Madrid. For the second November in a row, Real Madrid found themselves outmatched at Anfield, this time courtesy of a masterclass from Liverpool. But what exactly unfolded on that electrifying night? Let's dive in.
Alexis Mac Allister, the hero of the hour, replicated his scoring feat from the previous season's 2-0 defeat of the Spanish giants. This time, his goal was the deciding factor in a match that saw Liverpool ignite their Champions League campaign, potentially setting the tone for their entire season. A clean sheet and a set-piece goal further sweetened the victory for Slot, creating an unforgettable atmosphere at Anfield. The opposing team, Xabi Alonso’s Real Madrid, seemed to be a step behind all night. Notably, Trent Alexander-Arnold's return to Anfield was met with a chorus of boos, adding another layer of drama to the evening.
This win sparked a wave of optimism, reminiscent of the Champions League victory from a year prior. That win propelled Liverpool to a Premier League victory over Manchester City and ultimately, their 20th league title. However, Slot was cautious about drawing direct comparisons, given Real Madrid's injury woes and personnel changes. But here's where it gets controversial... Liverpool entered the game with a less-than-ideal form, having experienced six defeats in eight games. The true test of their recovery was against Aston Villa. The early signs, however, were promising.
From the get-go, Liverpool showcased an intensity and confidence that electrified the Anfield crowd. Florian Wirtz, back in the starting lineup, orchestrated the first significant chance of the match. While Mac Allister's attempt went wide, the stage was set. Conor Bradley also made his mark, engaging in a captivating duel with Vinícius Júnior. Bradley, much like the previous November, thrived against the renowned Madrid players, even riling up Vinícius to the point of a booking and a questionable dive.
And this is the part most people miss... Alexander-Arnold's return added an intriguing subplot. Despite the boos during the warm-up, he found time for camaraderie with his former teammates before the match.
Liverpool could have taken the lead, but Thibaut Courtois, the ghost of the 2022 Champions League final, proved to be a formidable obstacle. Despite Wirtz's perfect setup for Dominik Szoboszlai, Courtois's incredible save kept the score level. The frustration grew when Szoboszlai's shot appeared to hit Aurélien Tchouaméni's hand, leading to a penalty claim that was ultimately denied by the referee. The decision sparked understandable outrage among the Anfield faithful.
This controversy seemed to fuel Liverpool's determination. While Giorgi Mamardashvili and Courtois showcased their goalkeeping prowess, Courtois remained the busier of the two. Szoboszlai was denied twice, and Mac Allister was also thwarted, as Courtois's one-man stand continued. Finally, Mac Allister's header, following a free-kick by Szoboszlai, broke the deadlock. VAR intervened to check for offside, but this time, Anfield erupted in joy.
So, what are your thoughts? Did you agree with the referee's decisions? How do you think Liverpool will fare in the Champions League this season? Share your opinions in the comments below!
