Liverpool show class, beat Real Madrid at Anfield

Liverpool show class, beat Real Madrid at Anfield

Liverpool produced a resounding performance at Anfield to claim a vital Champions League victory over Real Madrid, signalling a welcome return to form after a difficult run of results.

Arend Martijn’s side, lifted by a morale-boosting win against Aston Villa at the weekend, carried their renewed confidence into Europe, outclassing the Spanish champions with a display full of energy, precision, and tactical discipline.

Despite the narrow scoreline, Liverpool were comfortably superior throughout. Real goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois delivered a world-class performance to keep the home side at bay for more than an hour, pulling off a series of superb saves – four from Dominik Szoboszlai alone – and a stunning reflex stop to deny Virgil van Dijk’s header.

The breakthrough finally arrived after 61 minutes, when Alexis Mac Allister rose to head in Szoboszlai’s free-kick, rewarding Liverpool’s sustained pressure. It was a deserved goal for both the Argentine playmaker and a team showing renewed purpose after a stretch of six defeats in seven matches.

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Trent Alexander-Arnold, making a late appearance from the Real Madrid bench, was greeted by loud boos from the Liverpool fans who once idolised him, but the former Anfield favourite was unable to influence the game. Real’s star duo Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappé were similarly subdued as Arne Slot’s side held firm.

A standout on the night was 22-year-old Conor Bradley, widely tipped as Alexander-Arnold’s long-term successor. The Northern Irish defender delivered a commanding display, winning his physical battle with Vinicius Jr and earning raucous support from the home crowd.

Bradley, whose development has been stalled by injuries, embodied the intensity and belief that had been missing during Liverpool’s recent slump. Szoboszlai shone in midfield, while match-winner Mac Allister’s resurgence has injected fresh creativity into a side that looked bereft of ideas only weeks ago.

Liverpool’s defence remained untroubled throughout, and were it not for Courtois’ brilliance, the victory margin would likely have been far greater. The win lifts the Reds into sixth place in the group – a position that would see them progress automatically to the last 16, avoiding the play-off round.

For Liverpool, it felt like a familiar story – high tempo, relentless pressing, and a raucous Anfield backing. After a period of uncertainty, the old spark may just be returning.

Liverpool show class, beat Real Madrid at Anfield