Liverpool earned a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League league stage on Tuesday night, with Alexis Mac Allister’s decisive header sealing the win at a raucous Anfield.
The result gave the Reds a deserved triumph over their European rivals and boosted their morale after a recent poor run of forms.
In a tightly contested first half, both sides showed flashes of quality but failed to find the breakthrough. Liverpool pressed aggressively, with Dominik Szoboszlai orchestrating play in midfield and testing Madrid’s back line.
However, Madrid struggled to impose themselves, with Vinícius Júnior largely subdued thanks to disciplined defending from Conor Bradley, who impressed on the right flank.
The decisive moment arrived in the 61st minute when Szoboszlai delivered a pinpoint cross into the box, finding Mac Allister, who rose highest to nod the ball past Thibaut Courtois.
The Argentine midfielder’s first Champions League goal for Liverpool sent the home fans into jubilation as Anfield erupted.
Real Madrid pushed forward in search of an equaliser, but Liverpool’s defensive organisation held firm. Ibrahima Konaté produced a standout performance, combining composure and strength to repel Madrid’s late pressure.
The visitors’ frustrations boiled over when manager Xabi Alonso was shown a yellow card in the closing moments after protesting a decision from the touchline.
The victory capped a successful night for English clubs in Europe, with Tottenham Hotspur thrashing Copenhagen 4–0, highlighted by a stunning solo goal from Micky van de Ven, and Arsenal defeating Slavia Prague 3–0.
For Liverpool, this result was a statement of intent in their Champions League campaign and another memorable European night at Anfield.
They face local rivals Manchester City on Sunday in the Premier League away at Etihad Stadium as they look to resurrect their dwindling title defence, which has seen them drop seven points behind leaders Arsenal.
