Liverpool beat Real Madrid in the Champions League - and one man is getting a lot of the praise
Sport
Kylian Mbappe centre-forward of Real Madrid and France and Conor Bradley right-back of Liverpool and Northern Ireland compete for the ball during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD5 match between Liverpool FC and Real Madrid C.F. at Anfield on November 27, 2024 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Conor Bradley cleans out Kylian Mbappe with a hard but fair challenge that brought Anfield to its feet during Liverpool's stunning 2-0 win over Real Madrid
(Image: Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Liverpool have continued their winning streak in the Champions League after defeating visitors Real Madrid 2-0 at Anfield - and for Liverpool Echo readers in our comments section, one man is getting a lot of the credit for keeping a world star quiet.
Manager Arne Slot made it 17 wins from 19 games in all competitions as Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gapko provided two goals, with no response from the opposition. The club sit at the top of the table in the new-look Champions League group stage going into December.
Caoimhin Kelleher saved a penalty from Kylian Mbappe, and Mohamed Salah struck the post with another. A couple of injury worries are the only concerns coming out of the match - but for now, fans get to bask in some glorious performances.
Reader Delbert65 says: “For me, Conor Bradley was superb, especially up against Mbappe. Alexis Mac Allister bossed the midfield with his pinpoint passing and winning a lot of balls to start the counter attack. Curtis Jones, especially the second half was great as well. The only concern is a couple of injuries... to Conor and Ibou right before the City match. Not a good sign. Well done lads. Keep it going. YNWA.”
Commenter Brommers writes: “What a game. Bradley showed Mbappe how to play football tonight. Konate and Gravenberch deserve special mentions too. Both excellent defensively. Keeper has saved 3 of the last 4 spot kicks (although let in a rebound Vs Saints). Great team performance, albeit against a depleted Madrid team.”
Campione84 says: “What a team performance that was, full of running and intensity, especially the second half. Bradley was outstanding and that tackle was the catalyst for the second half performance. Mac Allister was the man of the match for me, he has a proper football brain.”
Derek57keeper writes: “Great team performance with some truly outstanding individuals tonight, especially the two from the academy. The real Curtis Jones has suddenly arrived. Just gets better. Well done every one, YNWA.”
There are still a few concerns for some readers, however. Sid8810 says: “At last, we conquered Real Madrid, a victory we’ve been yearning for! What a performance, and the atmosphere was electric. Slot has delivered something we hadn’t seen even in Klopp’s era.
"But does anyone else feel that lingering feeling from Salah’s penalty miss? Atrocious. While he’s a phenomenal player, there’s something about the weight of the moment in certain games that seems to get to him. This isn’t the first time, either. Remember the title race with City? He missed a crucial penalty against Everton. Then there was that miss against Arsenal, though it wasn’t a title running game. I want Mac Allister to take the penalties.”
Malz writes: “Conor Bradley, Man of the Match in my book. Mbappe hardly had a sniff - other than the poor pen.
"2 Injury concerns in Connor and Konate for next weekend are a worry, especially Konate! If Conor is out, I'd prefer Gomez to TAA on Sunday, he'll be holding back coming back from some games out.”
Have your say! How far can Conor Bradley go? Comment below, and join in on the conversation.