Liverpool outclass Real Madrid to lay down gauntlet to rest of Europe - 6 talking points
LIVERPOOL 2-0 REAL MADRID: Arne Slot's men are now in a prime position to qualify for the knockout rounds of the Champions League after easing past Spanish giants Real Madrid at Anfield
Liverpool remain perfect in the Champions League after a dominant victory over Real Madrid at Anfield.
Alexis Mac Allister netted at the end of a brilliant second-half move to give his side a deserved lead. The visitors had a golden opportunity to equalise from the penalty spot but Kylian Mbappe failed to convert.
Mohamed Salah then had his own chance from the spot but somehow thundered an effort wide of goal via the post. Liverpool did eventually double their lead through substitute Cody Gakpo as he nodded home.
It leaves Liverpool top of the table after five wins from as many European games, while Real Madrid are in a vulnerable position. Take a look at all of the talking points from Anfield.
Asencio saves Real
The reigning European champions could have found themselves behind just minutes into the clash. Darwin Nunez raced into the box and let fly with a low effort that Thibaut Courtois just about managed to parry.
It bounced to youngster Raúl Asencio, who struggled to sort his feet out as the ball bounced off of him and towards goal. Luckily, the youngster just about managed to race back and clear it off of the line.
Asencio then went toe-to-toe with Nunez as he looked to run clear. The young Real man got the better of his opponent on what was an impressive debut.
Who was Liverpool's man-of-the-match vs Real Madrid? Share your thoughts in the comments below
Courtois once again
Liverpool must be sick of the sight of Belgian goalkeeper Courtois. The former Chelsea star put on an absolute masterclass as the two teams met in the 2022 Champions League final.
And it was the same this time around as he produced a number of impressive saves. He denied Nunez on a couple of occasions before saving from Conor Bradley.
In all, he produced four saves in what was another standout showing. Despite his heroics, Courtois was unable to prevent defeat.
Mac Allister opens scoring
Liverpool dominated large portions of the game against the Spanish giants but the only thing they were missing was a goal. And that eventually came through Argentine midfielder Mac Allister as he polished off a brilliant move.
The Argentine played an excellent two-one with Bradley as he danced into the box and then sent a low finish into the far corner. Surprisingly, it was only Mac Allister's second goal of the season - both of them coming in the Champions League.
Form like that will certainly help the Reds as they aim to lift their seventh European crown under Slot.
Mbappe's woes continue
It really hasn't been the best start to life at Real Madrid for Kylian Mbappe. Despite the Frenchman having nine goals for the campaign, he seems slightly uncomfortable at the Bernabeu amid claims he is being played out of position by Carlo Ancelotti.
He had the perfect chance to at least get on the scoresheet at Anfield as Real were awarded a penalty. After conceding a spot-kick against Southampton, Andrew Robertson did the same against the Spanish side by tripping Lucas Vazquez.
Mbappe stepped up but his weak penalty was parried away by Caoimhin Kelleher.
Salah dazzles but misses
With Mbappe failing to convert, Salah had the chance to show his opposite number how it was done after a sublime show of skill. The Egyptian wideman raced down the right side and cut inside Ferland Mendy.
The Frenchman was tied up in knots as he stuck out a foot and took Salah down. Salah was predictably the man to step up but surprisingly missed.
Salah kicked the floor before taking his kick, firing the ball wide of goal. Maybe hold that new contract, after all, Liverpool.
Gakpo secures victory
Salah might have been left frustrated from 12 yards but Gakpo was not to make any mistake from even closer to goal. The Dutchman was introduced in the second half and doubled the lead with a close-range header.
A clever corner routine between Robertson and Curtis Jones allowed the former to produce a teasing cross into the box. Gakpo leapt unchallenged and nodded into the bottom corner.
There was a brief check for offside but the goal was awarded, allowing Liverpool to celebrate a landmark victory.
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