By Liverpool ended their 14-year wait for a victory over Real Madrid Wednesday night, defeating the Spanish giants 2-0 at Anfield to maintain their perfect Champions League record this season.
Alexis Mac Allister broke the deadlock early in the second half, finishing a clever one-two with Conor Bradley by firing into the bottom corner. Stand-in goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher then preserved the lead with a crucial penalty save from Kylian Mbappe after Andy Robertson had fouled Lucas Vazquez.
Mohamed Salah had a chance to double Liverpool’s advantage from the penalty spot after being brought down by Ferland Mendy, but the Egyptian struck the outside of the post. The miss proved inconsequential as Cody Gakpo secured the victory, rising above Luka Modric to head home Robertson’s cross with 13 minutes remaining.
The result marked Liverpool’s first triumph over Real Madrid in nine attempts since 2009 and left Carlo Ancelotti’s injury-depleted side struggling to qualify after their third loss in five group matches. Liverpool sit two points clear at the top of the group standings with a perfect record of five wins.
Mbappe, recently moved to the left wing, endured a difficult evening contained by Bradley, culminating in his crucial penalty miss. The night ended with fresh concerns for Liverpool manager Arne Slot as both Bradley and Ibrahima Konate departed with apparent hamstring and knee injuries respectively ahead of an upcoming clash with Manchester City.
The match had started brightly for Liverpool, with Darwin Nunez nearly forcing an own goal from young defender Raul Asencio in the fourth minute. Though Madrid attempted to quiet the Anfield crowd through patient possession, Liverpool’s pressure eventually told in a dominant second-half display.
