Liverpool made it five wins from five in the Champions League as they defeated Real Madrid 2-0 in the Champions League in a match that saw both Kylian Mbappe and Mohamed Salah miss penalties.
Alexis Mac Allister’s goal shortly after half time gave Liverpool a deserved lead but Real Madrid had the chance to level moments later when Andy Robertson tripped Lucas Vazquez.
But Mbappe’s penalty was saved by Caoimhin Kelleher and Anfield was just as stunned shortly afterwards when Salah blazed wide from the penalty spot, after he was fouled by Ferland Mendy.
Cody Gakpo stepped off the bench to double Liverpool’s lead and wrap up the points, as the Dutchman thumped in a header from Robertson’s cross under the bar.
It means Liverpool extend their perfect start in the Champions League, while holders Madrid suffered their third defeat in five games and now face a battle to qualify.
Liverpool vs Real Madrid LIVE: Latest Champions League updates
-
Liverpool beat Real Madrid to extend perfect Champions League start
-
Alexis Mac Alliser and Cody Gakpo fire Liverpool to first win over Madrid since 2009
-
Mohamed Salah and Kylian Mbappe miss penalties in Anfield thriller
-
Reds are only team still with 100 per cent Champions League record
-
76’ GOAL! Gakpo thumps in header to double lead (LIV 2-0 RMA)
-
71’ MISSED PENALTY! Salah skews wide of goal (LIV 1-0 RMA)
-
62’ SAVED PENALTY! Kelleher denies Mbappe from spot (LIV 1-0 RMA)
-
53’ GOAL! Anfield erupts as Mac Allister rolls in opener (LIV 1-0 RMA)
-
24’ SAVE! Nunez denied by Courtois from close range (LIV 0-0 RMA)
-
4’ OFF THE LINE! Asencio clears after Nunez shot saved (LIV 0-0 RMA)
Liverpool are the best in Europe right now — and two understudies are key
22:15 , Richard Jolly at Anfield
A few weeks ago, it was possible to look at Arne Slot’s seemingly impressive start at Liverpool, adopt a sceptical tone and ask who they had really beaten. And now an eloquent answer can be provided in two words: Real Madrid. The kings of Europe, to borrow Pep Guardiola’s phrase, the Champions League holders, the side even Jurgen Klopp never beat.
Some 19 games into his reign, Slot has 17 wins. He already has two great Anfield European nights, the champions of first Germany and now Spain defeated, and Liverpool top the Champions League, their claim to be the best team in the continent right now reinforced not merely by victory but by the manner of it. More energetic and more ambitious than Real, they overcame them for the first time in 15 years.
They did so with starring roles from two of Slot’s understudies.
Liverpool are the best in Europe right now — and two understudies are key
Liverpool tipped as favourites to do the double
22:45 , Will Castle
Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand his pegged Liverpool as the his favourites to win both the Premier League and Champions League this season.
“Before a ball is kicked on the weekend, if you had to put your money on a team to win the Premier League and the Champions League, Liverpool are favourites,” he told TNT Sports.
“Not saying they will, but they’re favourites and that means there’s confidence brewing here. You can feel the anticipation before a ball is even kicked in the stadium.
“There’s a confidence from the fans and the players and there seems to be a quiet authority with an without the ball. They look in a real good state at the moment and will meet Man City at the perfect time for them.”
Jude Bellingham reflects on first Anfield outing
22:40 , Will Castle
Jude Bellingham has insisted Kylian Mbappe’s missed penalty was not the decisive factor in Real Madrid’s loss to Liverpool tonight.
“I think to be fair, from the first minute they took control of the game,” he told TNT Sports. “We never took advantage of our spells in the game, we tried to force it and turned the ball over too many times. I thought they were more up for it, which was disappointing.
“It’s a bad result against probably the best-performing team in Europe. There is no disgrace in losing here but we are not happy with it.
“The penalty is a big moment in the game, but he’s wonderful player and the pressure he holds his huge. The penalty is not the reason he lost the game, they were better than us. Kylian can hold his head high, he is going to produce many moments that are huge for this club.”
Arne Slot’s post-match thoughts
22:23 , Will Castle
Arne Slot is fully aware of just how special tonight’s result is for Liverpool, having endured years of heartache at the hands of Real Madrid.
He said: “I wouldn’t say it’s the same as any other win because you know how special it is to beat this team, who have dominated Europe in recent years and been a pain in the arse for Liverpool as well! We say it is a big week, but we have a big week next week too.
“When you start at a new club, you want to implement your playing style as quickly as possible, which is not so different from Jurgen, especially without the ball. With the ball, we have changed some details but not too many.
“I felt we were too impatient in the first half, every time they threatened us was from us forcing it or being sloppy. I said at half-time that there is more in us, that we can play with more intensity and use the ball better.”
Kelleher: “Confidence is high”
22:20 , Will Castle
Next up for Liverpool, it’s a Premier League clash of titans. They take on an out-of-form Manchester City in a game that could have massive ramifications on the title race come May.
For Caoimhin Kelleher, tonight’s win over Real Madrid brings exactly the sort of confidence booster the team could have dreamed of going into such a game.
“I think confidence is high in the whole squad,” he said. “Man City, we know they have had a tough few results but what a team. We expect a really tough test but this is good confidence for the team and we will go again.”
FULL TIME! Liverpool 2-0 Real Madrid
22:11 , Will Castle
Alexis Mac Allister has hailed Caoimhin Kelleher’s contributions in a ‘deserved’ Liverpool win.
“When you play against teams like Real Madrid, it’s always nice to score,” he said. “But the most important thing is that we won it, and in a really good way. We dominated and we deserved this.
“We needed this guy [Kelleher] a couple of times, but thank god that he’s there.”
FULL TIME! Liverpool 2-0 Real Madrid
21:55 , Jamie Braidwood
The best team in Europe right now? It’s hard to make a case for anyone else apart from Liverpool right now.
There’s a concern, though, as Konate stays down at full-time, with Van Dijk looking concerned.
Liverpool don’t want to lose the Frenchman ahead of facing Manchester City on Sunday…
FULL TIME! Liverpool 2-0 Real Madrid
21:52 , Jamie Braidwood
What a night for Liverpool and Arne Slot! It’s their first victory over Real Madrid since 2009!
Liverpool 2-0 Real Madrid
21:51 , Jamie Braidwood
90+3 mins: Another save from Kelleher! Sharp again this time to deny Garcia.
Liverpool 2-0 Real Madrid
21:51 , Jamie Braidwood
90+2 mins: Vazquez with a shot from range – giving Kelleher an easy save.
“Liverpool, top of the league,” cry the Kop. Top of the Premier League and Champions League. Not bad, Arne Slot.
Liverpool 2-0 Real Madrid
21:48 , Jamie Braidwood
90 mins: There will be four minutes added on. It seems as if there will be no Madrid comeback tonight.
But it’s almost three! Diaz scampers away, brings the ball down perfectly. Courtois makes a great save as Diaz looked to lift it over him.
Liverpool 2-0 Real Madrid
21:47 , Jamie Braidwood
88 mins: Close! Mbappe isn’t done yet! He cuts inside and whips a shot towards goal. It’s blocked by Mac Allister. From the corner, Bellingham heads at Kelleher but is offside.
Still, Madrid have only had one shot on target and that was Mbappe’s penalty.
Liverpool 2-0 Real Madrid
21:45 , Jamie Braidwood
86 mins: Oh no. There have not been any negatives for Liverpool tonight but Conor Bradley is down and feeling his hamstring. He’s been brilliant tonight, having an excellent game against Mbappe. The 21-year-old receives a standing ovation from the Kop, and is replaced by Joe Gomez.
Liverpool 2-0 Real Madrid
21:42 , Jamie Braidwood
83 mins; Arne Slot’s name rings around Anfield. The dream start continues.
Liverpool 2-0 Real Madrid
21:40 , Jamie Braidwood
81 mins: Liverpool are heading from five wins out of five. Real Madrid do not look like European champions right now.
GOAL! Liverpool 2-0 Real Madrid (GAKPO 76’)
21:34 , Jamie Braidwood
But now it’s 2-0! Liverpool take the corner short and Robertson’s cross finds Gakpo, who is unmarked six yards out from goal! The Dutchman heads past Courtois!
It’s a bit tight on the old offside line… but the goal stands! It’s what Liverpool deserve and it’s another immediate impact from Gakpo!
Liverpool 1-0 Real Madrid
21:33 , Jamie Braidwood
74 mins: As wild a few minutes in the Champions League since Feyenoord’s comeback last night? Anfield is still stunned by that Salah miss.
Liverpool 1-0 Real Madrid
21:30 , Richard Jolly at Anfield
71 mins: It may be turning into a game of missed penalties. Two extremely accomplished goalscorers have failed from the spot and if Kylian Mbappe can at least say his shot was on target, it was tame, though Caoimhin Kelleher’s save was still superb. Much of Anfield thought Mo Salah’s spot kick was in, not skewed past the post.
MISSED PENALTY!Liverpool 1-0 Real Madrid
21:28 , Jamie Braidwood
70 mins: WHAAAAAT!!!! SALAH BLAZES IT WIDE! Incredible! Anfield can’t believe it! Salah takes his usual run up but completely skews it wide of the left post!
Liverpool 1-0 Real Madrid
21:27 , Jamie Braidwood
69 mins: PENALTY! Sesnsational from Salah! He turns Mendy inside out with a brilliant run, and is tripped in the box!
Chance for 2-0 in front of the Kop… Salah vs Courtois.
Liverpool 1-0 Real Madrid
21:26 , Jamie Braidwood
67 mins: A change for Liverpool as Gakpo replaces Nunez – who was on a booking. Brahim thinks he’s through but the flag goes up. Kelleher still makes the save, though.
Liverpool 1-0 Real Madrid
21:25 , Jamie Braidwood
65 mins: A frustrated Bellingham catches Mac Allister on the edge of the box. Diaz’s shot is blocked and Bradley robs the ball from Mendy, before drawing the foul. Liverpool are feeding of this crowd.
Liverpool 1-0 Real Madrid
21:22 , Jamie Braidwood
63 mins: What a few moments there. Kelleher has got Robertson out of jail, and rescued Liverpool just as Madrid threatened to take the momentum.
SAVED! Liverpool 1-0 Real Madrid
21:19 , Jamie Braidwood
61 mins: INCREDIBLE! KELLEHER GOES THE RIGHT WAY TO DENY MBAPPE!
It’s a poor penalty – the right height for a goalkeeper! Sensational moment for Kelleher!
Liverpool 1-0 Real Madrid
21:18 , Jamie Braidwood
61 mins: Mbappe vs Kelleher…
PENALTY! Liverpool 1-0 Real Madrid
21:17 , Jamie Braidwood
59 mins: Penalty to Real Madrid! Robertson has caught Vazquez – just on! The substitute chops inside, Robertson puts his leg out. There’s not a huge amount of contact, but there’s enough.
The second game in a row that Robertson has conceded a penalty.
Liverpool 1-0 Real Madrid
21:16 , Jamie Braidwood
57 mins: Two changes for Madrid, after Camavinga pulls up. He and Guler are replaced by Lucas Vazquez and Dani Ceballos.
Liverpool 1-0 Real Madrid
21:16 , Richard Jolly at Anfield
56 mins: Two examples of the craft and class of Alexis Mac Allister: first with a cross for Conor Bradley, who almost scored, then by swapping passes with the Northern Irishman to find the net himself. Liverpool’s lead is deserved. Thibaut Courtois has been Real’s best player so far, threatening a repeat of his heroics in the 2022 final.
Liverpool 1-0 Real Madrid
21:12 , Jamie Braidwood
54 mins; CHANCE! Should be 2-0! Another lovely Liverpool move, with Jones surging through Madrid.
It’s pulled back to Mac Allister but this effort is wide! The holders are rocking.
GOAL! Liverpool 1-0 Real Madrid (MAC ALLISTER 53’)
21:10 , Jamie Braidwood
52 mins: No keeping out this! Liverpool lead through Alexis Mac Allister! Anfield erupts!
It’s a lovely move from Liverpool – Mac Allister starts it off and Bradley provides the cushioned pass back to the Argentine. The World Cup winner rolls in a composed finish past Courtois and into the corner!
Liverpool lead after half time again!
Liverpool 0-0 Real Madrid
21:10 , Jamie Braidwood
50 mins: SAVE! Courtois again! What a save from the goalkeeper to get down and deny Bradley’s header!
Superb cross to find the full-back. Courtois keeps it out!
Liverpool 0-0 Real Madrid
21:08 , Jamie Braidwood
48 mins: Mendy has his arms around Salah in the box as he receives the ball with back to goal. Salah goes down but the referee tells him to get up.
Real also almost play themselves into trouble, as they try to play out against the Liverpool press. Liverpool almost win it back through Jones.
Fine margins again.
Liverpool 0-0 Real Madrid
21:05 , Jamie Braidwood
46 mins: Liverpool pressure from the restart. Bradley’s cross is headed behind by Bellingham, as Liverpool attack the Kop.
Ooooh. Jones brings the ball down really well to step away from Mbappe. His shot is deflected wide by Camavinga.
Bellingham defended both corners at the front post.
KICK-OFF! Liverpool 0-0 Real Madrid
21:03 , Jamie Braidwood
Back underway at Anfield! Liverpool have tended to be better in the second half under Arne Slot.
On TNT Sports, Ally McCoist points out 13 of their last 15 goals have come after half time.
HALF TIME! Liverpool 0-0 Real Madrid
20:55 , Jamie Braidwood
It hasn’t been Mbappe’s night so far. Bradley’s been solid for Liverpool, including that excellent tackle in front of the Kop.
HALF TIME! Liverpool 0-0 Real Madrid
20:54 , Jamie Braidwood
Liverpool had 65.7% of the possession in the first half against Real Madrid, with three shots on targets to Real Madrid’s zero.
It’s almost level in terms of touches in the opposition box (16-14 to Liverpool) but Courtois has been forced into three saves.
That included Nunez’s effort is the first five minutes, which had to be cleared off the line by Raul Asensio.
HALF TIME! Liverpool 0-0 Real Madrid
20:47 , Jamie Braidwood
We just need a goal! Great half of football at Anfield.
Liverpool 0-0 Real Madrid
20:47 , Jamie Braidwood
45+1 mins: Super from Konate to get across and help Bradley stop Mbappe after Camavinga robbed Jones. Great defending from the Frenchman, against his international team-mate.
And that is that!
Liverpool 0-0 Real Madrid
20:45 , Jamie Braidwood
44 mins: Half time is approaching but this is still on a fine edge! Van Dijk puts a foot out to stop Mbappe in the box, with a well-timed challenge. The best are up against the best tonight. It’s been great, but we need a breakthrough!
Liverpool 0-0 Real Madrid
20:43 , Jamie Braidwood
42 mins: Not Robertson’s best moment after winning a challenge on Guler. His clearance is blocked and then his touch almost lets Diaz in, but he gets back to win the tackle. Madrid corner.
Liverpool 0-0 Real Madrid
20:40 , Jamie Braidwood
39 mins: Another yellow for Liverpool, a third in total and second in midfield, as Mac Allister clips Guler. He’ll be out of their next Champions League match, which is away to Girona.
Madrid then played through the Liverpool press and had the man advantage, but Konate positions himself really well to cut out the cross from Modric. Konate is then fouled by Modric, who escapes the booking.
Anfield did not like that.
Liverpool 0-0 Real Madrid
20:38 , Jamie Braidwood
37 mins: Another thrilling spell as Nunez shrugs off Camavinga and finds Jones. The ball is worked out to Salah, and back to Jones, but the midfielder bends the first-time shot over the bar.
And then a wonderful clearance from Rudiger to cut out Robertson’s cross. Nunez was waiting for the tap-in!
Liverpool 0-0 Real Madrid
20:35 , Jamie Braidwood
34 mins: It’s end to end! Brilliant tempo here. Diaz has a header saved at one end, then Real almost break through the Liverpool challenges at the other. Guler tries his luck from about 50 yards but it comes short of Kelleher. Then Robertson sends in a teasing cross, but there’s no one there!
20:34 , Richard Jolly at Anfield
A wonderful challenge by Conor Bradley, halting Kylian Mbappe in full flight. It had the Kop singing the right-back’s name.
But it has been quite sedate at times at Anfield, albeit not the times when Darwin Nunez has been involved. The Uruguayan could have had a hat-trick so far. Perhaps unsurprisingly, however, he is yet to score.
Liverpool 0-0 Real Madrid
20:33 , Jamie Braidwood
32 mins: Anfield is alive now! Mac Allister picks out Nunez with a cross and the striker’s cushioned effort back across goal drops just past the post. Great effort from Nunez. Good spell for Liverpool.
Liverpool 0-0 Real Madrid
20:32 , Jamie Braidwood
30 mins: WHAT A TACKLE! A standing ovation for Conor Bradley, who steps across and wins the perfect slide challenge on Kylian Mbappe, who was racing away!
Real Madrid had space, but Bradley responded. That has lifted Anfield.
Liverpool 0-0 Real Madrid
20:27 , Jamie Braidwood
26 mins: This match is thunderous at times, but the pace falls at others. Liverpool are being allowed easy possession, with Real Madrid dropping off. The hosts are having to be patient.
Liverpool 0-0 Real Madrid
20:24 , Jamie Braidwood
23 mins: SAVE! It should be 1-0, but Courtois is there to deny Liverpool again! The ball is loose in the Madrid box and breaks to Nunez, six yards out. But the Belgian goalkeeper rushes out and makes himself big. Nunez has no where to go but poking the ball straight at him.
He was man of the match as Real beat Liverpool in the 2022 Champions League final.
Liverpool 0-0 Real Madrid
20:22 , Jamie Braidwood
22 mins: A needless foul from Nunez as he comes back and swipes at Camavinga’s legs, outside the box. A risk from Nunez on a booking and it gives Real Madrid a free kick in a shooting position.
Guler curls over, though.
Liverpool 0-0 Real Madrid
20:20 , Jamie Braidwood
19 mins: Another battle between Nunez and Asencio after Salah zips a ball through, but it’s the centre-back who comes out on top again and shurgs Nunez off the ball.
Liverpool 0-0 Real Madrid
20:18 , Jamie Braidwood
16 mins; Great feet from Mbappe in a tight space. He wriggles away from Gravenberch before he is barged over by Van Dijk.
It’s Gravenberch who is booked though, for a clip.
20:16 , Richard Jolly, at Anfield
Real haven’t put enough pressure on the ball so far. There have been times when Liverpool have found it easy to pass through the midfield. Liverpool’s more intense approach was summed up when Mohamed Salah ran back to dispossess Kylian Mbappe and start the move that ended with Darwin Nunez having a shot cleared off the line.
Liverpool 0-0 Real Madrid
20:15 , Jamie Braidwood
14 mins: Bellingham draws a foul in midfield and then almost gets on the end of a cross from Guler, who is seeing lots of the ball down the right.
Modric’s corner is cleared.
Liverpool 0-0 Real Madrid
20:12 , Jamie Braidwood
11 mins; Darwin Nunez has gone down holding his face… He’s grappling with Asencio, the rookie centre-back, who pushes towards Nunez’s chest.
Nunez has made the most of it and both players are booked. Asencio on a tightrope, but so is Nunez.
Liverpool 0-0 Real Madrid
20:11 , Jamie Braidwood
9 mins: A half-chance for Diaz, but the winger snatches at the shot and it dribbles wide. It’s been a frustrating start for Mbappe and Madrid have yet to get the ball into the France forward.
Liverpool 0-0 Real Madrid
20:08 , Jamie Braidwood
6 mins: Real Madrid play through the Liverpool press but Konate gets across to cut out the ball towards Mbappe – who is being booed by the Kop on every touch.
Liverpool almost break on the counter, but Salah’s ball towards Diaz is cut out by Valvarde! Lots of space for the attacks to exploit early on.
Liverpool 0-0 Real Madrid
20:05 , Jamie Braidwood
4 mins: OFF THE LINE! Almost an opener for Liverpool! Darwin Nunez races away after a brilliant first burst! His shot is saved by Courtois and almost deflected into his own goal by Raul Asencio – but the young defender gets back to hack away! Inches in that!
From the corner, Liverpool go for the set-play. Diaz fires over but it comes back for a foul with Nunez blocking in the box!
Liverpool 0-0 Real Madrid
20:03 , Jamie Braidwood
2 mins: Almost an early break for Mbappe – who has lined up on the left of Madrid’s front three – but Conor Bradley gets across well to clear in the box. It’s a big night for the young Northern Ireland international.
KICK-OFF! Liverpool 0-0 Real Madrid
20:01 , Jamie Braidwood
And we’re off! Real Madrid kick off towards the Kop. Brilliant Anfield atmosphere tonight, crackling.
Liverpool vs Real Madrid
19:59 , Jamie Braidwood
Where can I watch?
The game will be shown live on TNT Sports 1, with coverage starting at 7pm GMT. Subscribers can also watch via the discovery+ app.
If you want to stream major sporting events while you are travelling or watching from abroad you’ll need a VPN. Get the best VPN deals in the UK. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are, and also with the terms of their service provider
Team news! Alexander-Arnold back on Liverpool bench
18:57 , Jamie Braidwood
Liverpool make just the two changes from Sunday as Alexis Mac Allister and Luis Diaz come into the team. Trent Alexander-Arnold is only on the bench after injury, which means it’s a big night for Conor Bradley at right back up against Kylian Mbappe!
Caoimhin Kelleher remains in goal with Alisson out, Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk continue at centre-back with Andy Robertson on the left. Ryan Gravenberch and Curtis Jones are joined by Mac Allister in midfield, replacing Dominik Szoboszlai.
Diaz swaps for Cody Gakpo with Darwin Nunez up front. Mohamed Salah, of course, starts on the right.
Team news! Liverpool team to play Real Madrid
18:53 , Jamie Braidwood
Liverpool XI: Kelleher; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Jones, Mac Allister; Salah, Nunez, Diaz
Team news! Real Madrid line-up announced
17:58 , Jamie Braidwood
A makeshift line-up for Real Madrid, to say the least, with Carlo Ancelotti not just missing Vincius Jr but Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao, Aurelien Tchouameni and Rodrygo as well.
Antonio Rudiger and Ferland Mendy are the only two regular starters available in defence, as Fede Valverde continues at right-back with academy prospect Raul Asensio at centre-back.
Kylian Mbappe and Brahim Diaz lead the attack, which will be supported by Jude Bellingham. Luka Modric and Eduardo Camavinga are joined in midfield by Arda Guler.
Team news! Real Madrid line-up announced
17:54 , Jamie Braidwood
TEAM NEWS! As usual, Real Madrid have announced their team early. Here’s the starting line-up:
Real Madrid XI: Courtois; Valverde, Asencio, Rudiger, Mendy; Camavinga, Modric, Guler; Bellingham; Mbappe, Brahim
When is Liverpool vs Real Madrid?
16:01 , Jamie Braidwood
Liverpool will face Real Madrid at 8pm GMT on Wednesday, 27 November at Anfield in Liverpool, England.
Where can I watch?
The game will be shown live on TNT Sports 1, with coverage starting at 7pm GMT. Subscribers can also watch via the discovery+ app.
If you want to stream major sporting events while you are travelling or watching from abroad you’ll need a VPN. Get the best VPN deals in the UK. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are, and also with the terms of their service provider.
Good evening
16:00 , Jamie Braidwood
Premier League leaders Liverpool host Real Madrid in the Champions League tonight to start what is probably the biggest week of Arne Slot’s tenure so far.
The Reds sit eight points clear of Manchester City in the league ahead of facing the champions on Sunday, but first they must square off with the European champions at Anfield as they look to stay top of the competition’s new league table.
Slot’s side were perhaps lucky to mount a comeback away at Southampton last weekend, but it is a win that continues their near-perfect start to the season.
And a victory against Carlo Ancelotti’s Madrid side would be another indicator of Liverpool’s credentials, as well as the ideal way to prepare for a potential title-decider this weekend.
Read the full article here
