Liverpool finally broke their Champions League hoodoo over Real Madrid, maintaining a perfect start to the season with a deserved 2-0 victory at Anfield. After eight unsuccessful meetings with the holders, including two finals, Liverpool under Arne Slot showed they were finally a step ahead, continuing the remarkable momentum since Slot succeeded Jurgen Klopp.
The Reds dominated Carlo Ancelotti’s side, who have now lost three of their five Champions League matches and face a fight for a play-off spot under the competition’s revamped format.
Despite both stars, Mohamed Salah and Kylian Mbappé, missing penalties during the match, Liverpool seized control. Alexis Mac Allister opened the scoring in the 52nd minute with a precise low strike across Thibaut Courtois, sending the Anfield faithful into ecstasy. Real’s hopes of a swift equalizer were dashed when Kelleher brilliantly saved Mbappé’s penalty after Lucas Vázquez was fouled by Andy Robertson.
Liverpool themselves also missed a chance to extend the lead from the spot, as Salah fired wide after being upended by Ferland Mendy.
The Reds eventually doubled their advantage 14 minutes from time, when substitute Cody Gakpo powered a header past Courtois from Robertson’s cross, cementing Liverpool’s dominance and putting them atop the Champions League table with five wins from five matches.
