Liverpool 1-0 Real Madrid: Match Verdict
Liverpool earned a 1-0 victory over Real Madrid in the Champions League with Alexis Mac Allister scoring.
It was the latest victory that has been etched into the book of famous European nights at Anfield.
A victory over Real Madrid is always something to cherish. And when Liverpool were so dominant against a club who have won the Champions League a total of 15 times, it was one that Kopites relished.
Liverpool were full value for their success. Had the scoreline been wider, there’d have been few complaints. Alexis Mac Allister notched the only goal in the 61st minute but this was a performance of dominance from the Reds. Real goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois delivered a heroic display throughout.
Los Blancos boss Xabi Alonso and his players could scarcely complain about losing for the first time in the Champions League this season. Neither could those who made the trip over from Spain as they endured another defeat at Anfield, having lost 2-0 when the two European heavyweights met last season.
What the Spanish media said about Liverpool’s victory over Real Madrid
The media who travelled to Merseyside did not try to make any excuses for Real’s lacklustre performance. Mundo Deportivo reported: “Arne Slot's men were vastly superior to Real Madrid, both physically and tactically, despite having only managed two wins in their last six matches. This didn't stop Gravenberch from dominating the Real Madrid midfield, nor did it prevent Van Dijk and Bradley from forming a wall in defense, a constant nightmare for Vinicius.”
Meanwhile, newspaper Marca claimed that Madrid would have been happy with a goalless draw. It said: “It even seemed like they were happy with the 0-0 draw. This wasn't the Real Madrid everyone was expecting, the Madrid that had been on a good run, the Madrid that was winning matches convincingly both in La Liga and in Europe, except for the Marseille game. I doubt any Madridista was pleased with this performance, although they didn't play terribly either. No, losing 1-0 at Anfield isn't a disgraceful result, that's clear, but the truth is that Real Madrid didn't leave anyone happy despite losing by the narrowest of margins. Because they didn't play to win.”
To a man, Liverpool were excellent throughout. Yet AS Diario claimed that Florian Wirtz was ‘virtually invisible’ as he was handed a return to the starting line-up. Wirtz featured on the left wing and almost had an assist in the first half but Szoboszlai was kept out by a fine Courtois save. The newspaper said: “A resounding statement of intent. Liverpool thrashed Real Madrid , a team that had scored in every match they'd played this season… except at Anfield.
“Courtois prevented further damage, but the diminutive Mac Allister rose to the occasion to finish off a Szoboszlai cross that was practically begging to be put into the net. The Hungarian was the best of the home side, and Robertson was superb. Nobody missed Alisson or Isak. However, Wirtz was virtually invisible, the only negative note of the night. Liverpool are back, and what a time to be reckoned with.”
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