Liverpool returned to the top of the Champions League table following their 2-0 win over Real Madrid on Wednesday night.
Arne Slot’s charges took the lead thanks to Alexis Mac Allister’s goal in the 52nd minute before doubling their tally through Cody Gakpo’s 77th-minute header.
Liverpool opened the scoring when Mac Allister played a one-two with Conor Bradley on the edge of the Real area, which created space for the midfielder to fire past Thibaut Courtois.
Then, Gakpo made it 2-0 midway through the second half with an unmarked bullet header following Andrew Robertson’s delivery after a one-two with Curtis Jones.
Although Mac Allister and Gakpo were in the spotlight as they got the goals for Liverpool, the Reds had plenty of heroes in their ranks.
For instance, Caoimhin Kelleher kept Liverpool a goal up when he saved a penalty from Kylian Mbappe in the 61st minute of the game.
Robertson gave a penalty away on the hour and Mbappe stepped up, but Kelleher guessed the right way and thwarted the Real Madrid star.
Kelleher’s save prompted former Liverpool midfielder Steve McManaman to sing the Republic of Ireland international’s praises.
Caoimhin Kelleher of Liverpool saves a penalty from Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD5 match be...
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Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher deemed an ‘absolute superstar’
McManaman believes Kelleher is an “absolute superstar in his own right” as opposed to merely being one of the best second-choice keepers in the league.
The former Anfield and Bernabeu ace said on TNT Sports, as transcribed by BBC Sport: “Kelleher is doing fantastic. Every time he is called upon, he stands up.
“He is an absolute superstar in his own right. He is not a number two. He is an equal number one. He is fantastic.”
Kelleher was making his 10th Liverpool appearance of the season against Los Blancos and, despite his relatively limited game time, he once again made everyone at Anfield proud.
Bradley also delivered a superb display for Liverpool which fans raved about, even suggesting Trent Alexander-Arnold may no longer be needed.
Liverpool World gave Kelleher an 8 out of 10 rating, writing: ‘Barely had anything to do in the first half except easily saving one speculative effort.
‘Showed magnificent concentration and skill when finally having something to deal with, which was Mbappe’s penalty.
‘Clutched a Bellingham header in the closing stages before making a good save from Vazquez.’
Likewise, the Liverpool Echo went with an 8 out of 10, writing: ”Not much to do first half as Real Madrid were kept at arm’s length and excellent penalty stop to deny Mbappe second half.’
Liverpool will next be up against Manchester City in a huge battle between the Premier League leaders and the reigning champions.
The Premier League game is scheduled to kick off at 4pm on Sunday 1 December at Anfield.
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