The Daily Star Ireland
Liverpool secured their first victory over Real Madrid in 15 years, as goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo helped them edge closer to a spot in the Champions League knockout stages with their fifth consecutive win. On a cold night at Anfield, Liverpool triumphed 2-0, ending a long wait for success over their European rivals, a win that had eluded them since 2009.
The match saw Mohamed Salah miss a penalty, but Liverpool still prevailed, with backup goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher making a remarkable save to deny Kylian Mbappé from the spot. This victory was especially significant given Liverpool’s history of recent heartbreaks, including two final defeats to Madrid in 2018 and 2022, along with seven losses and one draw in their last eight encounters with the Spanish giants.
Despite being without some key players due to injuries, Real Madrid still boasts top talent like Mbappé and Jude Bellingham. However, they are not the dominant force they once were, though their pedigree in the competition means they can never be ruled out. On the other hand, Arne Slot’s Liverpool side continued their strong form with their 17th win in 19 games.
Darwin Núñez, who had struggled to make an impact this season, came close early on. In the fourth minute, his shot was saved by Thibaut Courtois and then cleared off the line by Raul Asencio after the rebound. Salah had set up the chance by intercepting Mbappé and starting the counter-attack. Núñez continued to create opportunities but found Courtois in the way, the same goalkeeper who had starred in Madrid’s 2022 final win over Liverpool.
Núñez also won a penalty after Asencio made contact with his throat, drawing a loud cheer from the crowd. Another moment of excitement came when 21-year-old Conor Bradley made a vital tackle to dispossess Mbappé during a one-man counter-attack.
Liverpool continued to press, with Núñez heading a ball too far for Luis Díaz, and Mac Allister’s chip being saved by Courtois. The breakthrough finally came in the 52nd minute, when Mac Allister, playing further forward, received a pass from Bradley and fired a shot through the crowd into the net.
Real Madrid’s best chance to equalize came in the 61st minute when Andy Robertson fouled Lucas Vazquez in the penalty area, leading to a spot kick for Mbappé. However, Kelleher guessed correctly and saved the Frenchman’s penalty, causing Anfield to erupt. Shortly after, Salah was awarded a penalty when Ferland Mendy tripped him, but his shot went wide, leaving the crowd in stunned silence.
That silence was short-lived, as Gakpo scored from a Robertson cross in the 69th minute, sealing the win and providing Liverpool with long-awaited revenge. The only concern for the team was the sight of Bradley and defender Ibrahima Konaté picking up injuries late in the match, with a crucial clash against Manchester City just days away.
