Alexis Mac Allister once again proved to be Real Madrid’s tormentor, scoring against the Spanish giants for the second consecutive season as Arne Slot’s Liverpool edged a gripping UEFA Champions League encounter 1–0 at Anfield.

This clash between two of Europe’s most storied clubs carried plenty of intrigue — not least the return of Trent Alexander-Arnold to Merseyside. The right-back began on the bench, watching as Mac Allister blazed an early effort over before Thibaut Courtois produced a brilliant save to deny Dominik Szoboszlai after a clever pass from Florian Wirtz.

Controversy struck just after the half-hour mark when referee István Kovács initially awarded Liverpool a free-kick for handball against Aurélien Tchouaméni, only to reverse his decision following a VAR review — to the disbelief of the Anfield faithful.

Unfazed, Liverpool maintained their pressure. Szoboszlai tested Courtois again with a thunderous long-range drive, while Jude Bellingham and Mac Allister both had chances before the break in a fiercely competitive opening half.

The Reds began the second period with renewed intensity, forcing Courtois into a string of top-class saves. The Belgian denied Virgil van Dijk and Hugo Ekitike with acrobatic stops before the French forward headed just wide moments later.

It would take something special to beat the Real Madrid goalkeeper — and Liverpool delivered. Szoboszlai’s pinpoint free-kick found Mac Allister, who rose above his marker to plant a powerful header into the top corner and send Anfield into raptures. It was the Argentine’s third goal in the Champions League proper — and his second in successive seasons against Los Blancos.

Alexander-Arnold was introduced in the 81st minute, receiving a frosty reception from sections of the home support as he replaced Arda Güler. Courtois again came to Madrid’s rescue late on, producing a fine stop to deny Cody Gakpo from close range, but Liverpool held firm to claim a deserved three points.

The win marked Liverpool’s first set of back-to-back victories since their seven-match streak was halted by defeat to Crystal Palace in September — a timely boost as they look to build momentum under Slot.

For Real Madrid, the loss extends a poor run of results against English opposition, with just two wins in their last ten meetings (D3, L5).