The performances of Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk and Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe played a key role last night. Liverpool beat Real 2-0 after completely dominating the Spanish visitors in all the phases of the crucial Champions League game.
The Reds played without first-choice goalkeeper Alisson Becker and vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold among many other senior team players last night. Madrid lacked Dani Carvajal, Vinicius Junior, and several important players, as both teams depended on winning key battles.
One of those key battles happened between two international captains, the dominant Dutch captain Van Dijk and France’s captain Mbappe. Even though Mbappe played as a left inside forward, facing Conor Bradley more frequently, Van Dijk awaited in the middle.
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The Liverpool captain has enjoyed a fantastic season for the Reds, showcasing that he has plenty remaining in his prime. The 33-year-old silenced his naysayers during the 2023-24 season after a poor 2022-23 season as he recovered from past injuries.
Meanwhile, Mbappe joined Real from Paris Saint-Germain as a free agent which involved a very long and dramatic transfer saga. Real Madrid’s method of poaching players, including their media circus and alleged unauthorized approaches, rightfully upset PSG.
Foreign clubs cannot hold a pre-contract agreement or communicate with the players of other clubs while they are under contract. However, that rule goes out of the window when it comes to the Spanish giant and the Spanish media.
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Liverpool are facing the same predicament with Alexander-Arnold that PSG faced with Mbappe, making this victory even more important. The domination from the Merseyside giant not only removed the past wrongs that happened in the previous clash with Madrid but also showed that they are not as big as they think they are.
Mbappe’s upside-down pose: The viral moment with lasting impression
Van Dijk played a pivotal role in the Reds’ domination in and out of possession, controlling Los Blancos’ star-studded team. While Van Dijk and Mbappe stayed away due to their designated positions, they did collide on several occasions when the Frenchman dropped too inverted.
One of the moments highlighted the night for the visitors when Van Dijk’s textbook takedown put Mbappe upside down. The now-viral moment will last for years after the fanbase from both sides bombarded the social media.
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Real fans wanted a booking for Van Dijk as if the French referee Francois Letexier was not helpful enough. The Wednesday night’s main official booked Liverpool players over any challenges while allowing Madrid players plenty of freedom.
At the same time, Liverpool fans used their usual humour to mock the predicament that Mbappe has faced in Spain. The picture of the 25-year-old upside down resonates with how his career has taken a U-turn since joining Los Blancos.
Statistical comparison between Mbappe and Van Dijk
According to Sofascore, Mbappe enjoyed 43 touches with 75% passing accuracy apart from the penalty that Caoimhin Kelleher saved. The Frenchman lost possession 15 times, won only seven of 15 duels and faced one offside call.
The Sofascore heatmap and Sofascore rating of Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe and Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk in the Champions League clash at Anfield.
The Sofascore heatmap and Sofascore rating of Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe and Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk in the Champions League clash at Anfield.
Liverpool’s defence isolated Mbappe and his teammates well, restricting them to limited chances with a total of eight shots. The Reds had 17 shots compared to that with six big chances compared to Los Blancos’ two.
Meanwhile, Van Dijk won six out of seven duels with a 100% success rate in aerial duels while making one clearance and two tackles. The 33-year-old dominated in Liverpool’s buildup with 99 touches and 96% passing accuracy with eight out of nine accurate longballs.
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The Dutch captain also registered 100% successful dribble attempts, showcasing his composure and calmness in possession. Van Dijk has a pivotal role to play for the Reds as they face Manchester City next in the Premier League title-impacting clash.
Where Van Dijk delivered a captain’s performance and set the tone of the game, Mbappe’s poor outing shows Real’s weakness. Liverpool played as a team whereas the Los Blancos acted as a group of individuals hoping for someone to have a moment of brilliance.