Liverpool put in an extremely solid performance against Real Madrid on Tuesday evening.
The Champions League clash was held at Anfield, with the score ending 1-0 in Liverpool’s favour.
Arne Slot’s men were the dominant team throughout the clash, with Vinicius Jr trying his best to get a penalty from Conor Bradley.
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This sort of performance is a refreshing change compared to how October panned out for Liverpool, and if they keep their performance levels to this standard, they could get back to their best in no time.
Xabi Alonso, Head Coach of Real Madrid, embraces Arne Slot, Manager of Liverpool, prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD4 match between Liverpool FC and Real Madrid C.F. at Anfield.
Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
After the tie on Tuesday, here are three things spotted from a solid Liverpool display.
Florian Wirtz must continue starting on the left wing for Liverpool over Cody Gakpo
Florian Wirtz was one of Liverpool’s biggest signings of the summer transfer window.
The young German has been used all across the pitch by Slot, and after his performance against Los Blancos, it’s clear that left-wing is where he needs to be used.
Slot seems to have an affinity with Cody Gakpo, but without the Dutchman on the pitch, the Reds’ attack seemed much more free-flowing and far more creative.
Liverpool's Dutch manager Arne Slot arrives ahead of kick-off in the UEFA Champions League, league phase football match between Liverpool and Real Madrid at Anfield.
Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images
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Another reason why Wirtz is a better option for Liverpool is that, due to his ability to play deeper, in the centre or even on the right, all three of the Reds’ attackers can interchange with one another if and when needed.
Conor Bradley is still Liverpool’s best right-back
Some of Bradley’s performances for Liverpool this season have raised a few eyebrows.
When Jeremie Frimpong was signed by Slot and Richard Hughes, most people thought that the former Bayer Leverkusen man would be the Anfield outfit’s first choice.
And, while that was the case at the start of the season, due to injuries and his lack of form, it’s clear that Bradley is the man for the job.
He kept Vinicius quiet all night, with the Brazilian often falling to the floor or even taking the Northern Irishman out when he got away from him.
There were no questions raised about Bradley on Tuesday, and if he continues playing like he did against Xabi Alonso’s men, there’s no reason why he can’t cement his place in Slot’s starting XI.
Hugo Ekitike must continue starting for Liverpool even when Alexander Isak is fully fit
Hugo Ekitike has been the gift that keeps on giving since his Anfield arrival.
The attacker has been the Reds’ one bright spark in attack this season, and although everything finally seems to be coming together, it is clear that Ekitke needs to be the one leading the line.
At the moment, that isn’t an issue as Alexander Isak is out injured for Liverpool, but since he could be in contention to feature against Manchester City on Sunday, Slot will be faced with his striker dilemma once again.
Hugo Ekitike of Liverpool battles for possession with Jude Bellingham of Real Madrid during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD4 match between Liverpool FC and Real Madrid C.F. at Anfield.
Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
The Anfield outfit may have spent £125 million to prise Isak away from Newcastle, but at the moment, Ekitike is massively outperforming him.
Form should be the thing that judges whether a player starts or not, but with Slot having his favourites, it’s unclear whether the Frenchman will continue to be his regular starting number nine even though he deserves it.