Arne Slot delivered the most significant win of his Anfield tenure as Liverpool claimed an impressive 2-0 win over Real Madrid in the Champions League.
In what was expected to be a thrilling match when the initial draw was made earlier this year, the game at Anfield saw Liverpool beat the reigning European champions comfortably. While Kylian Mbappe did have a chance to equalize for Real Madrid from the spot, he saw his penalty saved by Caoimhin Kelleher.
At the other end, Liverpool star Mohamed Salah, currently in red hot form, blazed his own penalty wide. However, it did not matter. Second half goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo saw the Reds past Real Madrid.
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And here's what the UK national media made of Arne Slot's Reds' performance against Carlo Ancelotti's side, with Liverpool still perfect in Europe this season after winning five games from five.
'A swatting aside of the holders'
The Guardian described Liverpool's win over Real Madrid as "a swatting aside of the holders" and a "statement of intent" from the Reds. David Hytner wrote in his match report: "
"Arne Slot’s Liverpool reboot has its latest dividend. His team continue to boast the only 100% record in the Champions League group stage and this was not just another victory, it was a swatting aside of the holders, a statement of intent.
"Real Madrid have hurt Liverpool more than any other opponent in Europe. In four of the previous seven seasons, they have ended their hopes – most agonisingly in the finals of 2018 and 2022.
"This was a night when Liverpool asserted themselves and banished a few demons in the process, star turns everywhere but especially from Conor Bradley at right-back. He was up against Kylian Mbappé and not only barely gave him a kick, he found the time to get forward in the second half, teeing up Alexis Mac Allister for the opening goal. Bradley was given a tremendous ovation when he was forced off towards the end, having felt something in the back of his leg.
"Madrid were a pale imitation of their best selves, Mbappé not the only player to go missing in action. He was the most high-profile, mainly because he saw a penalty that would have given his team a lifeline out of nowhere at 1-0 saved by Caoimhín Kelleher. It was remarkable to see how little Mbappé could get going; the sloppiness, the turnovers. Where was the magic?"
'Not signing Jude Bellingham was a smart move'
The Telegraph's Chris Bascombe reckons the 2-0 win for Liverpool was vindication in their decision not to pursue signing Jude Bellingham back in the summer of 2023, instead opting to develop their own and buy smart.
Bascombe wrote Liverpool's decision not to bring in Bellingham, and instead deciding to sign Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai: "Liverpool could not buy Bellingham. But to quote Brad Pitt as Billy Beane in the movie Moneyball, they could “create him in the aggregate”.
"There was initially rancour at the decision, yet the combined fee of Alexis Mac Allister, Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai – the three who arrived instead of Bellingham – was £130 million. At a conservative estimate, their current salary should they stay on Merseyside for five years will amount to another £78m. Three players for the price of one, with probably change to spare. It was never a case of refusing to spend big – more about spending smart."
'Finally ended the curse'
BBC Sport's Chief Football Writer Phil McNulty described the Reds win over Real Madrid as 'a lifting of a curse'. Prior to kick-off, Liverpool had failed to beat Real Madrid in eight previous meetings in the Champions League - two of which came in the final.
McNulty wrote: "Liverpool finally ended their Real Madrid curse as they maintained their flawless Champions League record with a fully deserved victory in a thrilling encounter at Anfield.
"They had failed to beat the holders in eight previous meetings in the tournament – including two Champions League finals – but there was no denying Liverpool as head coach Arne Slot’s remarkable start in succession to Jurgen Klopp continues."
Liverpool.com says: "Liverpool came out of the clash against Real Madrid deserved winners. They were comfortably the better side on the night, created more clear cut chances and limited Real Madrid to very little bar their penalty which was saved by Kelleher. It was a magical evening and one which could serve as a catalyst for Liverpool to enjoy a special season this term under Slot."
