There was a lot to enjoy about Liverpool’s 1-0 win over Real Madrid, with players tussling over who got the most praise.
Arne Slot‘s Premier League champions were superb at Anfield, producing their most convincing performance of the season so far.
Madrid were unable to cope with Liverpool’s attacking quality and intensity off the ball, as the Reds secured a vital three points in the Champions League.
Here, This Is Anfield’s Henry Jackson (@HenryJackson87) and Joanna Durkan (@JoannaDurkan_) discuss a great night for Liverpool, with so many positives on show.
The good
Liverpool manager Arne Slot and Conor Bradley after the UEFA Champions League, league stage match at Anfield, Liverpool. Picture date: Tuesday November 4, 2025.
JOANNA: Firstly, the atmosphere was brilliant from the first whistle to the last – it felt like the fans and the players were truly on the same page and driving each other on.
It was loud in all the best ways, and you can only thank Xabi Alonso for deciding to send Trent on to spice it up more when it could have perhaps turned a little nervy at the end there.
Going back to basics has revitalised us. Robbo turned back the clock and showed why he needs to stay in the side, Florian had his best game for us and Bradley, take a bow.
You also can’t see on TV, but the way Szoboszlai communicates is so important to the team, he gets pissed at players for not being where he wants them but he’s great at marshalling the side and then sets the example to follow – he’s pure class. Can you tell he’s my favourite player?
Truly a memorable night and worth the bumper-to-bumper traffic on the M62!
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Wednesday, September 17, 2025: Liverpool's Conor Bradley during the UEFA Champions League match between Liverpool FC and Atletico Madrid FC at Anfield. Liverpool won 3-2. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
HENRY: I totally agree that the atmosphere was the best in some time – it almost felt angry, which is when Anfield is at its best!
For the first time in a long time, I also genuinely think every player performed well.
Bradley was the standout for me, considering who he was up against – Vinicius is VERY hard to warm to! – but Robbo was also brilliant.
Ibou, Mac Allister and Mo have been the three key starters who have all struggled this season, but I thought they were excellent.
Meanwhile, having Gravenberch and Macca back together and in form makes Liverpool a completely different team, and Szoboszlai shone yet again.
As Jo says, Slot has gone back to basics, turning to experienced heads and making his midfield more solid, and it is paying off.
After too many flat performances, even when winning games, this was a joy.
The bad
JOANNA: Getting soaked on the way to the ground was not ideal, and that breeze that slides across the Main Stand can do one as well.
There really was not too much to grumble at. I thought Slot named the best starting XI combination possible, made his changes at the right time and the defence kept Madrid’s attack quiet.
It would be typical for Liverpool to build up a head of steam for it then to be disrupted by the international break…
Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso gestures on the touchline during the UEFA Champions League, league stage match at Anfield, Liverpool. Picture date: Tuesday November 4, 2025.
HENRY: The only bad in my book, aside from the foul weather, was Madrid!
Their best players were eaten up by Liverpool, some of their playacting was pathetic and Trent’s cameo was nice and forgettable.
His smirking when he was warming up didn’t sit well with me, but maybe I’m being a bit too bitter!
And would you stick to the same lineup at Man City?
3D36C73 Liverpool, UK. 4th Nov, 2025. Alexis Mac Allister of Liverpool celebrates scoring their first goal during the Liverpool vs Real Madrid UEFA Champions League match at Anfield, Liverpool. Picture credit should read: James Baylis/Sportimage Credit: Sportimage Ltd/Alamy Live News
JOANNA: As Slot made sure to mention before Tuesday’s match, his selection would have no bearing on the team on Sunday due to a rare five-day gap.
So it is plausible that the same team could start again, though I’d find it hard to believe Slot would keep favourite Gakpo out for two games in a row.
If Robbo can manage a fourth start in less than two weeks then he has to be retained, and my only other question mark would be if Macca can go again or needs to be replaced by Jones.
I’d try and stick as close to the same XI as possible, we need the consistency and momentum is currently on our side.
File photo dated 17-09-2025 of Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk, who accepts Liverpool are making things unnecessarily difficult for themselves and must improve to avoid having to repeat their trick of scoring late winners. Issue date: Thursday September 18, 2025.
HENRY: I would personally go with exactly the same XI – why wouldn’t you after that performance?
There is plenty of time to recover, and then the international break to come, so Liverpool have to give this one their absolute all.
Wirtz was really good against Madrid – I should have praised him earlier – and I have found Gakpo frustrating of late. He can be a strong sub at the Etihad.
Yes, the likes of Robbo and Macca may be feeling it a bit, but I would rather go with them one more time at a very tough ground to visit.
Into them, Reds!