Anfield, November 4, 2025 — Liverpool reignited their
Champions League hopes with a 1–0 victory over Real Madrid, ending Los Blancos’
perfect start to the campaign. Despite fielding a star-studded lineup, Kylian
Mbappé and Jude Bellingham failed to make an impact as Alexis Mac Allister’s
header sealed the points for Arne Slot’s side.
The Reds came flying out of the blocks, pressing high
and dictating the tempo. Madrid struggled to get going and were forced to rely
on Thibaut Courtois, who produced a string of outstanding saves — five in the
first half alone — to keep the game goalless at the break.
Liverpool’s persistence eventually paid off midway
through the second half when Mac Allister met Dominik Szoboszlai’s curling
free-kick with a deft header past Courtois.
Madrid pushed back late on, with Mbappé flashing a
shot narrowly wide, but the visitors failed to summon their trademark European
comeback magic.
Substitute Trent Alexander-Arnold made his
long-awaited return from injury to a mixed reception, but the script belonged
to Liverpool, who claimed a much-needed win in front of a raucous Anfield
crowd.
Player Ratings — Real Madrid
Thibaut Courtois (9/10) — Outstanding once again.
Produced a host of top-class saves and was unlucky to concede.
Federico Valverde (7/10) — Deployed at right-back,
defended well but offered little going forward.
Éder Militão (7/10) — Composed and disciplined at the
back, handled pressure well.
Dean Huijsen (6/10) — Looked shaky at times and picked
up a booking for a rash challenge.
Álvaro Carreras (6/10) — Contained Salah early but
faded after the break.
Midfield
Aurélien Tchouaméni (6/10) — Broke up play decently
but struggled with Liverpool’s movement.
Eduardo Camavinga (6/10) — Energetic but occasionally
outmuscled and bypassed.
Jude Bellingham (5/10) — A subdued display from
Madrid’s talisman; misplaced passes and little influence.
Arda Güler (5/10) — Anonymous for long spells, never
found space to operate.
Attack
Kylian Mbappé (5/10) — Quiet for most of the game,
limited to half-chances. Frustrated by Van Dijk’s physicality.
Vinícius Júnior (6/10) — Showed flashes of danger down
the left but lacked support.
Substitutes & Manager
Rodrygo (6/10) — Brought urgency but no end product.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (5/10) — Booed throughout, barely involved.
Brahim Díaz (N/A) — Not enough time to make an impact.
Xabi Alonso (5/10) — Picked his strongest XI but Madrid looked flat and
uninspired. Courtois spared them from a heavier defeat.
Final Score: Liverpool 1–0 Real Madrid
Goal: Mac Allister (Liverpool, 64’)
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