Kylian Mbappe saw his penalty saved as Liverpool triumphed 2-0 over Real Madrid on Wednesday, handing the holders their third defeat in five Champions League matches.
Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo were the scorers in the second half, maintaining Liverpool’s perfect record and securing top spot in the group.
Mohamed Salah also missed a penalty, but it proved inconsequential as the Reds clinched their 17th win in Arne Slot’s first 19 games as manager. Slot has already accomplished what Jurgen Klopp could not—defeating the Spanish giants.
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The victory was especially sweet for Liverpool, who had a score to settle with Madrid after losing to them in the 2018 and 2022 Champions League finals. Real Madrid had been unbeaten in their previous eight encounters with the Reds.
The loss sent Carlo Ancelotti’s side tumbling to 24th in the table. Only the top 24 teams will advance to the knockout stages, with the top eight progressing directly to the last 16.
Liverpool are firmly on track for qualification and their confidence, boosted by an eight-point lead at the top of the Premier League, was evident throughout the match at a fervent Anfield.
Madrid, plagued by injuries, travelled without key players such as Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo, Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao, Aurelien Tchouameni, and David Alaba. Young centre-back Raul Asencio was thrust into action and made a vital clearance off the line in the opening minutes.
Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez had a chance early on after being set up by Salah, but his shot was saved by Thibaut Courtois, and Asencio reacted quickly to prevent an own goal. Courtois continued to frustrate Liverpool, making key saves throughout the first half, including stopping a Nunez effort from close range.
The Belgian keeper was busy again early in the second half, saving Conor Bradley’s header, but Liverpool eventually broke through in the 52nd minute. Bradley’s cross found Mac Allister, who coolly slotted a shot into the far corner to give Liverpool the lead.
With Vinicius absent, Mbappe was Madrid’s hope for a moment of magic, but he was well-contained by Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk. His chance to make an impact came in the 60th minute when Robertson was penalized for a trip on Lucas Vazquez in the box.
Caoimhin Kelleher, standing in for the injured Alisson Becker, made a crucial save, diving to his left to deny Mbappe’s penalty.
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Salah, who had been vocal about his frustration with Liverpool’s lack of a contract renewal offer, was also involved in the action, though he missed his own penalty after being fouled by Ferland Mendy. His shot hit the outside of the post.
Liverpool sealed the win just six minutes later when substitute Gakpo scored a header from a corner, sending the Anfield crowd into raptures.