Liverpool approached the Champions League matchup against Real Madrid on Tuesday evening aware of their poor record against the Spanish giants, having only secured one win in their last nine encounters (2-0 in the 2024/25 season), alongside one draw and seven defeats. With Liverpool struggling recently and Real Madrid enjoying a strong start to both the Champions League and La Liga, a significant effort would be necessary for Liverpool to claim victory.
Milestone for Mo Salah
The match marked Mo Salah’s 200th appearance for Liverpool at Anfield, where he scored 137 goals and provided 57 assists in his previous 199 games. Early signs in the game indicated Liverpool’s dominance, with Real Madrid managing only one touch in the Liverpool box during the first 15 minutes, while Alexis Mac Allister produced two shots on goal alone. The visitors’ left-back, Alvaro Carreras, was under considerable pressure, making four tackles as Liverpool consistently attacked down that flank.
Despite attempts from Real’s Kylian Mbappe, Eder Militao, and Aurelien Tchouameni that went off target, Liverpool’s Florian Wirtz was the standout performer, creating three chances, further indicating the home side’s stronger position.
Vinicius Junior’s Struggles
Vinicius Junior faced challenges impacting the game. Although he managed more touches in the Liverpool box than any of his teammates—nine touches throughout the match—he failed to register a shot. Real Madrid’s goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was crucial in keeping the score level, delivering a remarkable performance with eight saves, including a memorable stop against a powerful shot from Dominik Szoboszlai. This display marked the seventh instance where Courtois made four or more first-half saves in a Champions League match, with three of those occasions against Liverpool.
Courtois’ Masterclass
Adding to Courtois’ impressive stats, he had previously conceded only once against Marseille, making 19 consecutive saves since without allowing another goal in the Champions League. Liverpool had nine shots on target, and Szoboszlai himself tested Courtois four times, while Real managed only two, from Jude Bellingham and Arda Guler just before halftime—an underwhelming performance from a traditionally strong team.
Despite holding 74.7% possession during the first half, Real Madrid rarely threatened Liverpool, who dominated various aspects of the play.
Liverpool’s Pressure After the Break
The second half began with Liverpool pouring on the pressure through three quick shots, continuing to test Real’s weakened defense. With Dean Huijsen and Eder Militao engaged in a concerted defense, they made significant clearances, showcasing Madrid’s struggle under pressure.
Around the hour mark, a well-placed free-kick from Szoboszlai led to Mac Allister, known for his smaller stature on the pitch, scoring with a precise header, giving Liverpool a deserved lead. This marked Mac Allister’s first goal in the Champions League since November 27, 2024, against, unsurprisingly, Real Madrid. Historically, Liverpool, after scoring first at home, had lost only once in their last 94 home matches across all competitions.
Insufficient Support for Mbappe
Real Madrid, despite having possession, found themselves at a disadvantage. Kylian Mbappe attempted to rally his side but struggled due to poor support from his teammates, including Vinicius, Arda Guler, and Rodrygo, rendering his efforts futile.
As the match neared its conclusion, Trent Alexander-Arnold returned to the field amid mixed reactions, contrasting earlier support he received in his Liverpool career. His participation made him the second English player to face Liverpool in the Champions League after previously playing for them—a unique milestone.
Match Conclusion Reflects Early Dominance
The game wrapped up with a few last-minute shots, including attempts from Salah and Cody Gakpo, but ultimately preserved Liverpool’s edge, and it was evident that Real Madrid did well to escape with only a narrow defeat. Despite some individual efforts, including Bellingham’s 13 attempted one-on-ones and Tchouameni’s six possession recoveries, Real Madrid’s performance left much to be desired.
This victory could serve as a turning point for Liverpool, potentially revitalizing their season as they look for recovery after a challenging start.