Liverpool claimed a 1-0 victory over Real Madrid in the Champions League thanks to Alexis Mac Allister’s decisive header in the 61st minute.
Trent Alexander-Arnold made his first appearance at Anfield since leaving his boyhood club in the summer, coming off Madrid’s bench in the 81st minute to a chorus of boos and whistles from the home fans.
Despite the defeat, Thibaut Courtois was outstanding for Real Madrid, producing eight saves to keep his side in contention.
Liverpool looked back to their best as they dominated the Spanish giants with an energetic and commanding display, securing a vital win at Anfield.
Arne Slot’s Premier League champions, who ended a run of six defeats in seven games with victory over Aston Villa on Saturday, continued their resurgence as Real were comprehensively outplayed.
The scoreline flattered the visitors, with Liverpool’s superiority evident throughout. Mac Allister eventually broke the deadlock midway through the second half, heading in Dominik Szoboszlai’s free-kick as former Reds defender Alexander-Arnold watched on from the bench.
Only the brilliance of Courtois kept the result respectable, with the Belgian goalkeeper pulling off a string of superb stops — including four from Szoboszlai and a stunning reflex save to deny Virgil van Dijk’s header.
Courtois, however, was powerless when Mac Allister stole in unmarked to glance home what proved to be the winning goal.
Alexander-Arnold’s late introduction was met with hostility from the Anfield faithful who once idolised him, and he was unable to make an impact as Real — with Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappé both subdued — failed to find a response.
Liverpool’s next Champions League fixture comes after the international break, when they host PSV Eindhoven at Anfield on 26 November.
Real Madrid will travel to Athens to face Olympiacos on the same date.
