Liverpool made it five wins from five in the Champions League after beating Real Madrid 2-0 at Anfield.
The Reds were struggling to break down the holders before Alexis Mac Allister struck in the 52nd minute to put the hosts ahead.
Madrid had a chance to get back into things when they were awarded a penalty, only for Kylian Mbappe to step up and see his effort saved.
At the other end, Liverpool were handed a spot-kick when Mohamed Salah turned Ferland Mendy inside out, but he too did not score from 12 yards.
However, Arne Slot’s men did get their second through Cody Gakpo, who netted from a corner to seal the points.
Read on to discover the full story from Anfield on Wednesday night.
UP THE REDS ✊🔴 #UCL pic.twitter.com/xF9gcTmMFe
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) November 27, 2024
How it happened
The first half ended goalless despite Liverpool’s relentless attacking intent. Darwin Nunez came closest for the Reds, with his early effort cleared off the line by Madrid defender Raul.
Nunez’s dynamism kept Madrid’s defence on high alert, but Thibaut Courtois made some crucial saves to deny Liverpool an opener.
Madrid struggled to create clear opportunities, their best chance coming from Arda Guler, who fired wide from outside the penalty area.
Liverpool’s dominance in possession (61.4%) highlighted their control, but they entered half-time without the breakthrough they sought.
However, the Reds’ persistence paid off in the 52nd minute.
Conor Bradley played a first-time pass to Alexis Mac Allister, who surged into the box and drilled a low shot into the bottom corner, beating Courtois.
OH MAC ALLISTER 🤩 pic.twitter.com/4lacM2o9K0
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) November 27, 2024
The goal was a deserved reward for Liverpool’s sustained pressure and high-intensity play.
Madrid’s best opportunity to equalise came shortly after when a penalty was awarded for a foul by Andy Robertson on Lucas Vazquez.
However, Mbappe’s effort from the spot was brilliantly saved by Caoimhin Kelleher, who guessed correctly to keep Liverpool’s lead intact.
In the 76th minute, Liverpool doubled their advantage.
Robertson’s short corner found Curtis Jones, who returned the ball for Robertson to whip a perfect cross into the box.
Cody Gakpo rose above the defence to head the ball powerfully into the top corner, leaving Courtois with no chance.
