Arne Slot enjoyed the biggest win of his Liverpool career so far as his side triumphed 2-0 over Real Madrid at Anfield on Wednesday night.
After a goalless first half, Liverpool leapt into the ascendancy early in the second thanks to Alexis Mac Allister’s strike in the 52nd minute, putting Slot’s side in control.
It looked for all the world that Kylian Mbappe would level the scoreboard after Andrew Robertson was penalised for fouling Lucas Vazquez inside the penalty area, but the Frenchman’s spot-kick was superbly denied by Caoimhin Kelleher between the sticks.
Mohamed Salah missed a penalty he won himself later in the second to set up a nervy finished at Anfield, until substitute Cody Gakpo gave Liverpool the cushion of a second goal in the 76th minute.
The victory keeps Liverpool at the summit of the Champions League group table, two points ahead of Inter Milan having won five in five under Slot.
Mail Sport’s Lewis Steele was at Anfield to rate the players’ performances on the night.
Liverpool triumphed over Real Madrid with a 2-0 win in the Champions League on Wednesday
Cody Gakpo came off the bench to score Liverpool’s second after Alexis Mac Allister’s opener
It was a disastrous night for Kylian Mbappe who missed an important penalty kick at Anfield
Liverpool
Caoimhin Kelleher – 8
Biggest compliment Kelleher can receive is the regularity in which one forgets Alisson is injured. Moment of his career, perhaps, to save Mbappe’s penalty – Real’s first shot on goal. Made some good stops after that, too.
Conor Bradley – 9
Two years ago this week he was playing for Bolton away at Fleetwood. Some rise for the youngster, who put in a perfect defensive display against Mbappe and assisted Mac Allister’s goal.
Ibrahima Konate – 7.5
Chants of ‘Ibouuuuu’ every time he makes a defensive action are slightly annoying but that may be because they are so common. Another commanding display.
Virgil van Dijk – 7
Bullied No 9 Diaz. Given Liverpool had never beaten Real in the Jurgen Klopp era, it felt his leadership was necessary to overcome any psychological hurdles.
Andrew Robertson – 7
Fans are on his back questioning if the Scotsman is past his best. Gave away a cheap penalty here – as he did on Sunday at Southampton – but defended well otherwise. Got the assist for Gakpo’s goal with a beautiful cross.
Ryan Gravenberch – 7.5 (booked)
Salah aside, Gravenberch has been Liverpool’s Mr Consistent this season. Another assured performance here, despite a few unnecessary fouls. Defensively strong.
Curtis Jones – 7.5
Popped up everywhere in a pleasing performance for Liverpool’s Scouser in the team. Was beating himself up for curling a shot just wide in the first half.
Liverpool’s stand-in goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher superbly denied Mbappe from the spot
Conor Bradley (left) masterfully rose to the challenge at right back against the Spanish giants
His man of the match performance helped Arne Slot claim his biggest win yet as Liverpool boss
Alexis Mac Allister – 7.5 (booked)
Beautiful finish to open the scoring and you could see what it meant to him when he greeted the Kop. Booked for a tug on Guler which will see him suspended for the trip to Girona.
Mohamed Salah – 6.5
Some fans could not believe their eyes when he pulled his penalty wide. Not the best evening for Liverpool’s talisman but still dangerous.
Luis Diaz – 6
Was not dangerous enough in the first half. Had a couple of shots which were not powerful enough.
Darwin Nunez – 7.5 (booked)
A bright performance from Nunez, who forced Courtois into two stellar stops in the first half, one from close range. Contributed a lot in the build-up to delight Slot.
SUBSTITUTES
Cody Gakpo (for Nunez, 67min) – 6
Dominik Szoboszlai (for Jones 83)
Joe Gomez (for Bradley 87)
Not used: Jaros, Davies, Endo, Elliott, Alexander-Arnold, Quansah, Morton.
MANAGER
Arne Slot – 7
Memorable night with his family in the stands. Got his tactics spot on again.
Mohamed Salah (left) had a positive night despite missing a penalty himself in the second half
Mac Allister has fast become an integral part of Liverpool’s midfield since his arrival at Anfield
Real Madrid
Thibaut Courtois – 7
Man of the match in the 2022 Champions League final between these pair – and proved again why he is one of the best in the world here with some big stops.
Federico Valverde – 6
Playing in an unusual right back berth due to Dani Carvajal and Lucas Vazquez not being fit. Kept Diaz largely quiet.
Raul Asencio – 6.5
Only made his full debut on Sunday against Leganes. Enjoyed his battle with Nunez and made some vital interventions.
Antonio Rudiger – 6
Started attacks well and tried to get under the skin of Liverpool’s attackers
Ferland Mendy – 7 (booked)
Stood up tall to his battle with Salah and largely came out on top. Contributed very little at the other end, though.
Eduardo Camavinga – 6.5
A lovely footballer to watch. Has a balletic way of running as he glides past players with ease. Did not threaten enough, though, overall.
Antonio Rudiger was kept busy as Liverpool found gaps in the Real Madrid defence with ease
Luka Modric – 7
Turns 40 next year but Modric is still a joy to watch. May not have the legs to drive through midfield but makes this team tick and it all looks easy for him.
Arda Guler – 6
Was the brightest spark for Ancelotti’s men in the first half – although none of the attackers were at their best.
Jude Bellingham – 4.5
His little brother Jobe was in the stands but did not have much to clap about as Jude barely had a sniff.
Brahim Diaz – 5
Former Manchester City academy graduate was playing in a central position but lost his battle with Van Dijk and Konate.
Kylian Mbappe – 4
Bullied by young Bradley and, like fellow Galactico Bellingham, Mbappe put in a ghostly performance. Penalty was weak.
Jude Bellingham struggled to stamp his authority on the game in the Real Madrid engine room
SUBSTITUTES
Lucas Vazquez (for Camavinga, 56) – 6
Dani Ceballos (for Guler, 56min) – 6 (booked)
Fran Garcia (for Mendy, 71) – 5
Endrick (for Modric, 79) (booked)
Not used: Lunin, Gonzalez, Endrick, Vallejo, Garcia, Gonzalo, De Llanos, Yanez, Aguado.
MANAGER
Carlo Ancelotti – 5
Said he feels like an Evertonian yesterday – and his team were not too much better than Sean Dyche’s Toffees here.
REFEREE
Francois Letexier (France) – 5
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