Liverpool 1–0 Real Madrid: Mac Allister Header Seals Win as Alexander-Arnold Faces Boos on Anfield Return
Arne Slot’s men climb into the Champions League top eight; Real Madrid suffer first group defeat
Liverpool earned a deserved 1–0 victory over Real Madrid at Anfield, with Alexis Mac Allister’s header proving decisive on a dramatic Champions League night that saw Trent Alexander-Arnold booed by sections of the home crowd on his return.
Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was the visitors’ standout performer, producing a string of outstanding saves to deny Dominik Szoboszlai and later tipping over headers from Virgil van Dijk and Hugo Ekitike. Despite several close calls, the Spanish champions eventually cracked when Szoboszlai’s pinpoint cross found Mac Allister unmarked to nod home from close range.
The first half also brought controversy when Liverpool were denied what appeared to be a strong penalty appeal. However, their persistence paid off after the break, as Xabi Alonso’s LaLiga leaders struggled to find rhythm or create meaningful chances. Madrid’s attacking trio of Kylian Mbappé, Vinicius Junior, and Jude Bellingham were effectively contained throughout the contest.
Alexander-Arnold, whose mural outside Anfield was defaced in the buildup to the match, received a hostile reception from some fans. He was booed during the warm-up, again when his name was announced before kick-off, and most loudly when introduced as a late substitute. The England international appeared composed but subdued as he re-entered the pitch where he once shone as a local hero.
In stark contrast, his replacement at right-back, Conor Bradley, delivered an outstanding display and was later named Player of the Match. The Northern Irishman handled Vinicius superbly, earning cheers from the crowd with his confident tackles and forward runs that even forced the Brazilian into a yellow card.
Manager Arne Slot made just one change to the side that defeated Aston Villa, bringing in Florian Wirtz for Cody Gakpo on the left wing. Alonso fielded the same XI that triumphed in El Clasico, meaning Alexander-Arnold began the match on the bench.
It was a cathartic performance from Liverpool, who seem to have rediscovered their energy and defensive discipline after a run of disappointing domestic results. The win lifts them into the top eight of the Champions League standings, level on points with Real Madrid, whose perfect start to the campaign came to an abrupt end.
The two European heavyweights may yet cross paths again in the knockout stages next spring — by which time Alexander-Arnold will hope to have re-established himself as a key figure in Liverpool’s evolving lineup.
