Liverpool entered Tuesday night’s Champions League clash against Real Madrid having beaten Los Blancos just once in their previous nine encounters — a 2-0 victory in the 2024/25 season. With Real flying high in both LaLiga and Europe, and the Reds struggling for form, Arne Slot’s men needed something special to secure a result.

Milestone Night for Mo Salah

It was a landmark occasion for Mohamed Salah, who made his 200th appearance for Liverpool at Anfield. The Egyptian had already racked up 137 goals and 57 assists in his previous 199 home games — and the crowd expected another big performance from their talisman.

Liverpool began brightly, completely overwhelming Real Madrid in the opening stages. In the first 15 minutes, the Spanish champions managed just one touch inside the Liverpool box, while Alexis Mac Allister had already registered two shots. The Reds targeted Real’s left flank relentlessly, forcing left-back Álvaro Carreras into four tackles inside the first quarter of an hour.

Although Kylian Mbappé, Éder Militão, and Aurélien Tchouaméni all tried their luck from distance, it was Florian Wirtz who pulled the strings for the hosts, creating three early chances as Liverpool dominated proceedings.

Courtois Keeps Madrid Alive

Vinícius Júnior, normally a spark for Real, struggled to make an impact. Despite nine touches in Liverpool’s penalty area — more than any of his teammates — he failed to register a single shot all evening.

Were it not for Thibaut Courtois, Real might have been out of the contest by half-time. The Belgian produced eight saves — four in the first half alone — including a spectacular full-stretch stop to deny Dominik Szoboszlai. It was the third time in his career he’d made at least four first-half saves against Liverpool, a testament to his consistency on the biggest stage.

Courtois’ recent form has been extraordinary — since conceding with the first shot on target he faced against Marseille on Matchday 1, he had made 19 consecutive saves in the competition without letting in a goal.

Despite enjoying nearly 75% possession during long stretches of the first half, Real Madrid never truly threatened Liverpool’s goal and were fortunate to go into the break level.

Mac Allister Breaks the Deadlock

Liverpool maintained their intensity after the restart, firing three shots within five minutes of the second half. With Real’s defence missing key regulars, the pressure finally told.

On the hour mark, Szoboszlai delivered a wicked free-kick from the right, and Mac Allister — one of the smallest players on the pitch — rose to power home a bullet header past Courtois. It was the Argentine’s first Champions League goal since November 2024, coincidentally also against Real Madrid.

The statistics were firmly in Liverpool’s favour: the Reds had lost only one of their last 94 home games when scoring first — that infamous 5-2 defeat to Madrid in February 2023 after leading 2-0. History, it seemed, would not repeat itself.

Madrid Fail to Find a Spark

Real once again dominated possession in the latter stages, but Mbappé received little support from Vinícius, Arda Güler, or Rodrygo. Despite Xabi Alonso’s tactical tweaks, Madrid’s attack lacked fluency and conviction.

A late subplot came with the return of Trent Alexander-Arnold, who came off the bench to face his former club — becoming only the second Englishman to play against Liverpool in the European Cup after previously representing them, following Larry Lloyd in 1978.

Liverpool nearly added to their lead through Salah and Cody Gakpo in stoppage time, but Courtois’ heroics kept the score respectable.

A Turning Point for the Reds?

Real Madrid could take solace only in individual efforts — Jude Bellingham’s 13 one-on-ones, Tchouaméni’s six recoveries, and Militão’s 96.2% pass completion — but overall, they were second best throughout.

For Arne Slot and Liverpool, this was more than just three points. It was a statement win — a dominant, disciplined, and emotional performance that could mark the beginning of their long-awaited revival.