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.

Says some pundit remarks have been “over the top” and urges ex-players to show perspective Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk challenged Wayne Rooney over recent criticism of his leadership during an awkward post-match interview following Liverpool’s 1-0 victory over Real Madrid in the Champions League at Anfield. Standing beside Rooney, Van Dijk addressed the pundit’s comments directly after Liverpool secured back-to-back wins, ending a four-game Premier League losing streak. Alexis Mac Allister’s second-half header sealed the victory, continuing Liverpool’s return to form after defeating Aston Villa on Saturday. Rooney had previously claimed Van Dijk’s body language was a “concern” after last month’s defeat at Brentford and questioned whether the defender’s leadership had declined following his new contract. Van Dijk responded after the Villa match by calling the criticism “lazy,” prompting Rooney to double down — before the pair were brought face-to-face live on TV. During his interview with Prime Video, Van Dijk said the criticism directed at Liverpool had been “over the top,” adding: “It would be good if ex-players that played at the highest level, that dealt with difficult moments as well, would put things in perspective.” Rooney, visibly taken aback, replied: “I think what I’ve said is fair. The response [to their struggles] has been great from Virgil and the team.” Van Dijk, however, disagreed, stating: “I think if you would watch games, then I would definitely take the responsibility. The comment that I signed my new deal and then let things slide — I think that was a bit much, but that’s my personal opinion.” The exchange came after Van Dijk reflected on Liverpool’s internal team meeting following their loss to Manchester United. He said the squad had focused on staying calm amid the “noise” surrounding their poor run. “In a world of chaos, you have to try and stay calm,” he said. “At times, the noise was a lot. Of course, some criticism is fair when you lose four or five games, but it’s also been over the top.” Van Dijk emphasized that while outside opinions don’t affect him personally, he remains mindful of how such comments could influence his teammates. “As captain, I deal with players that might be affected by it. It’s important to stay focused, work hard, and keep perspective.” Rooney concluded the segment by joking that his remarks might have helped motivate the Reds: “I’m not saying anything more because I think I’ve spurred them on! We’ve put them on a winning streak!” Van Dijk ended on a composed note, reaffirming his commitment to Liverpool: “I want to perform for the team, for the club, and for everyone who supports us through thick and thin. When we lose, it hurts me deeply — and I’ll always do everything to turn it around.”