Liverpool's impressive 1-0 victory against Real Madrid in the Champions League was lauded by the Spanish press, while the La Liga giants were hit with brutal reviews.
Alexis Mac Allister settled the pulsating showdown at Anfield on Tuesday night with a bullet header shortly after the hour mark, and only the heroics of Thibaut Courtois prevented the Reds from adding to their tally.
Real Madrid had made the trip to Merseyside in bullish spirits, having won 10 of their 11 league games and boasted a 100 per cent record in Europe. On the other hand, Arne Slot's side had endured a nightmare start to the new season and looked on the ropes after losing six of their last eight fixtures across all competitions.
But, having brought an end to their dismal form with a 2-0 win against Aston Villa last weekend, Liverpool were rejuvenated against Xabi Alonso's heavyweights and deservedly clinched all three points.
In the aftermath, a number of Spanish publications, typically famed for their no-holds-barred critique, couldn't help but praise the hosts' performance.
Spanish Press Rave About Liverpool's Display
Arne Slot gives a thumb up after Liverpool's win against Real Madrid
Mundo Deportivo even suggested Liverpool hold the advantage over Real Madrid in one crucial area, writing:
"Liverpool thrived on the energy of Anfield and showed that, physically, they are currently a step ahead of Real Madrid."
While Courtois was deservedly singled out for his one-man show of resistance, RTVE also chose to focus on Liverpool stopper Giorgi Marmardashvili and his understated role in the win.
"The Hungarian goalkeeper bounced the ball again, with his characteristic subtlety and quality, and Mac Allister appeared, surprising the defence, to head it in and put his team ahead."
Post-match, Slot had admitted his delight with a job well done, his side having moved up to sixth in the league phase.
The top eight, of course, will automatically qualify for the next round ahead of the knockout stages. Liverpool will be determined to avoid an unwanted two-legged play-off tie, which would decide their Champions League fate.
Real Madrid Savaged By Spanish Press
Kylian Mbappe grimaces during Real Madrid's defeat against Liverpool
In a stark contrast, there was nowhere to hide for Real Madrid's players or Alonso after the Spanish press brutally ripped into their performance.
Mundo Deportivo were distinctly unimpressed with Kylian Mbappe and even accused him of "going missing".
"All the mystique and epic nature that the match showed minutes before the ball started rolling, began to fade as the minutes passed and the game of the two teams became more physical than anything else.
"Especially [Real Madrid], who had a lot of the ball but without decisiveness."
"Although players like Vinicius Junior or [Jude] Bellingham got into the game, not so much for other lethal ones like Mbappe, who was missing during the first half."
The outlet also gave Trent Alexander-Arnold, who was roundly booed after coming on as a second-half substitute against his former club, a scathing one-star review.
Sport, meanwhile, said boss Alonso was primarily to blame for the result after botching his tactics. The publication wrote: "Real Madrid suffered from complacency, forgetting to press after the 20-minute mark and letting themselves be dictated by Arne Slot's tactics.
"And yes, the ultimate responsibility lies with those on the pitch, but the mistakes made in the mixed marking of a corner (Vinicius marking Virgil Van Dijk) or in the substitutions are and will be the responsibility of the coach - or his coaching staff, who, for the moment, have been unable to find the right formula for, for example, defending set pieces."
There is no rest for the wicked, with Liverpool back in action with a tricky away trip to fellow title challengers Manchester City this weekend, while Real Madrid will look to bounce back against Rayo Vallecano.