Liverpool roared back to their brilliant best with a commanding Champions League triumph over Real Madrid at a raucous Anfield. The European giants were brushed aside by Arne Slot’s men in a night that felt like the old Liverpool, full of energy, aggression and class.
The Premier League champions arrived with renewed confidence after ending a miserable run of six defeats in seven matches by beating Aston Villa at the weekend. That spark turned into a firestorm against Real, who were second best from the opening whistle to the final blast.
It took time for the breakthrough, but there was never any doubt about who was in charge. Alexis Mac Allister finally smashed through the resistance on 61 minutes, ghosting in to nod home Dominik Szoboszlai’s perfect free kick. Anfield erupted as the Argentine wheeled away to celebrate a goal that had been coming all night.
Real’s only hero was their goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who produced a string of saves to keep the scoreline respectable. He denied Szoboszlai four times and somehow clawed away Virgil van Dijk’s bullet header, but even he could not stop Liverpool’s relentless surge.
When the goal came, it was richly deserved. Slot’s side were sharper, hungrier and far more inventive. They played with the swagger that once terrified Europe. Real stars Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe were kept quiet, their frustration growing as the red tide swept forward again and again.
Trent Alexander Arnold, now wearing white after his shock move to Madrid, entered late on to a chorus of boos from the fans who once adored him. His return was cold and unforgiving, mirroring his new team’s display. He could do nothing to stem Liverpool’s momentum as the Reds tightened their grip on the match and the group.
The standout performer was Conor Bradley, the young Northern Irishman proving he is the real deal. He hounded Vinicius Junior all night, snapping into tackles and driving forward with confidence. The Kop loved every minute of his fiery duel, singing his name as the echoes bounced off the stands.
Bradley’s return from injury has been perfectly timed for a Liverpool side rediscovering its rhythm. Behind him, the defence stood firm and focused. In midfield, Szoboszlai was magnificent once more, while Mac Allister’s resurgence continues to lift the team.
This was a statement win, one that pushes Liverpool into sixth and within sight of automatic qualification for the last sixteen. After weeks of doubt, Slot’s side are back to looking like contenders again. Anfield believes once more.