Liverpool achieved victory over Real Madrid for the first time in the Champions League since March 10, 2009, after 8 consecutive matches without a win, with two unanswered goals at Anfield Road in the fifth round of the group stage.
Liverpool ended its contract against the clubs holding the Champions League title, as this is its first victory in its last 14 matches with the defending champion in all competitions since its 4-1 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford in 2009, after losing 8 matches and drawing 5.
This is only the third time in the Champions League season that Real Madrid has failed to keep a clean sheet in its opening five matches after the 2012-2013 and 2016-2017 seasons.
Liverpool is the best in Europe for this reason
In the first weeks of the season, Liverpool’s brilliant start was met with some criticizing that it did not face strong clubs, but today’s victory over Real Madrid confirms the great development the team has reached.
Finishing top of the Premier League after 12 matches and the Champions League group after five matches – unbeaten – confirms the team’s perfect record.
Liverpool is the best in Europe because it has great diversity between the organized construction of attacks, breaking blocks, and complex passes in the final third, such as Alexis McAllister’s first goal, or direct play and rebounds, such as the attack from which Mohamed Salah’s penalty kick came, and if necessary, he will score from a set piece, such as the second goal.
Mbappé ghost!
This was not the performance Madrid fans were expecting from Kylian Mbappe, and with Vinicius Junior injured, it seemed like the perfect opportunity for Mbappe to prove himself on his favored left side of the attack.
Mbappe started in this position against Leganes in the last match, ending his four-match drought, and while experienced full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold did not participate, everyone was waiting for him to prevail over young full-back Connor Bradley.
But in reality, Mbappe was in the pocket of Connor Bradley, who made a perfect intervention in the 31st minute to deprive Mbappe of a start and a scoring opportunity, and he made matters worse by missing a penalty kick at a time when the score indicated Liverpool had a one-goal lead.
The French striker blamed him for not being able to time his run, even Liverpool’s first two chances came after Mbappe lost the ball. Real Madrid was closer to the 4-2-2-2 system with Mbappe and Brahim Diaz, the latter as a fake striker, but the latter also had no impact against Liverpool’s defensive giants.
Vinicius Junior’s influence at Real Madrid is arguably clear, as the left front is the most dangerous in his presence, and he has been involved in 20 goals (scoring 12 himself, with eight assists) in all competitions.
Caimin Kelleher is a new giant in goal
Caimin Kelleher’s second-half penalty save from Mbappe was vital in the context of this match and once again highlighted his importance to Slot.
The 26-year-old has now played more games than Alisson this season and has stuck to his position, and Alisson will not find it easy to return to his starting position.
Kelleher has not conceded a goal in the three matches he has played in the Champions League this season and continues to show why he deserves to be the starting goalkeeper.
For the second game in a row, Kelleher saved a penalty kick, but unlike at the weekend – when Southampton’s Adam Armstrong managed to convert the follow-up – he was able to deflect Mbappe’s shot to safety.
In total, Kelleher saved three of the four penalty kicks he faced with Liverpool in all competitions (including penalty kicks).
He was given the opportunity to leave in the last transfer window but Liverpool were not happy with the offers they received and refused to sell. This decision has now proven to be a smart one as it was very important in Alisson’s absence.
Bradley ends Mbappe’s effectiveness
The ground challenge made by Connor Bradley in front of Kylian Mbappe, and the latter tries to use his speed, explains the story of the match and what the “inexperienced” Bradley presented in the face of the most dangerous player in the world.
On the other side of the pitch it was Bradley who paved the way for Liverpool’s victory with a brilliant assist for McAllister’s first goal.
Connor Bradley (21 years and 141 days) is the youngest Liverpool player to provide an assist in the Champions League since Curtis Jones against FC Porto in September 2021 (20 years and 241 days).
