Liverpool made it five Champions League wins from five to go top of the table with a superb 2-0 win over Real Madrid at Anfield.
Alexis Mac Allister bossed the game and put the Reds in front before substitute Cody Gakpo headed home a second in the 76th minute. Arne Slot’s side were perfectly deserving of their victory but the scoreline could have looked a lot different, with Kylian Mbappe and Mohamed Salah both fluffing their lines from the spot.
There were massive performances throughout the box for the hosts, and while Mac Allister was the choice of the group, Conor Bradley turned heads with a demo that showed Trent Alexander-Arnold that he can start to look over his er.
Here, Express Sport tells you how the Liverpool player behaved that night. . .
Caoimhin Kelleher: 8
Had nothing to do until Mbappe put the ball on the spot. Sprung brilliantly to his left to deny the Frenchman and then made a couple of decent stops late on.
Conor Bradley: 8
A real coming-of-age characteristic unlike a player like Mbappé. Anfield enjoyed his crisp portrayal of the World Cup winner. He was competitive and gave Mac Allister a big hand. Alexander-Arnold is nearing the end of his contract at Liverpool and Slot has already prepared a replacement.
Ibrahima Konate: 7
One wall behind, Konaté made a very good block in the first half to avoid a cross from Luka Modric and avoid a damaging attack from Real.
Virgil van Dijk: 7
He was gifted with a sloppy pass that went straight to Arda Guler early on, but like the rest of his teammates, he gained more confidence as the match progressed. Van Dijk purrs at the end and his cross ball is a spectacle for Mirad.
Andres Robertson: 6
Putting the result in danger with a clumsy tackle on Lucas Vázquez in the second half. A penalty was awarded, but Kelleher saved it. Robertson made amends with a magnificent cross for Gakpo to head home for Liverpool’s second goal.
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Ryan Gravenberch: 6 (reserved)
It was a consistent performance, but his midfield teammates did the maximum of the job.
Alexis Mac Allister: nine (reserved)
The best player on the pitch. He couldn’t miss with accurate balls into the box, one of which was headed just wide by Darwin Nunez and the other nodded on target by Bradley. Took his goal brilliantly and went toe-to-toe with Jude Bellingham. The booking means he will miss Liverpool’s trip to Girona next month.
Mohamed Salah: 7
The Egyptian was harassed by Real’s defenders, but he had a moment: this time it was to put Ferland Mendy face down and take a penalty. His score would have been higher if he hadn’t destroyed it extensively.
Curtis Jones: 7 (Dominik Szoboszlai, 83)
Nothing impressive from Jones, but it’s clear that he’s full of confidence and remains untouchable in Slot’s starting XI.
Luis Diaz: 6
A curiously quiet night for the Colombian. Liverpool are the biggest team, but the midfielders and defenders shone the most.
Darwin Nunez: 6 (booked) (Gakpo, 67)
A mixed bag from Núñez, who combined stupid fouls and missed opportunities with fierce defensive paints and non-stop runs.
SUBS
Cody Gakpo: 7
Rose high in the box to put the game to bed. Set up a great chance for Diaz late on. Big impact from the sub.
Dominik Szoboszlai: N/A
An expired incorporation.
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