In a thrilling Champions League clash at Anfield, Liverpool delivered a resounding 1-0 victory over a formidable Real Madrid side, leaving fans buzzing with excitement. But here's where it gets controversial... While Trent Alexander-Arnold's return to the pitch grabbed headlines, it was Conor Bradley who stole the show, overshadowing his teammate with a stellar performance that left many questioning the future of Liverpool's right-back position. And this is the part most people miss: Alexis Mac Allister's second-half header not only secured the win but also marked his second consecutive season scoring against the Spanish giants, solidifying his status as a big-game player.
The match, played on November 4, 2025, saw Liverpool dominate despite Real Madrid's early possession. Arne Slot's tactical acumen was on full display as his side created the more dangerous chances. Thibaut Courtois was forced into a stunning save to deny Dominik Szoboszlai, while a VAR review for a potential handball against Aurelien Tchouameni went in Madrid's favor. Is VAR consistently fair, or does it favor certain teams? This question lingered as Liverpool pushed forward.
As the game progressed, Courtois continued to frustrate the Reds, but it was Mac Allister's bullet header that finally broke the deadlock. Kylian Mbappe, one of the few Madrid players to threaten, came close to equalizing late on, but his effort missed the target. Liverpool's victory was a massive confidence boost, leaving fans wondering if this could be the turning point in their season.
Now, let's dive into the player ratings, where some performances might surprise you...
Goalkeeper & Defence:
- Giorgi Mamardashvili (6/10): Solid but underworked, making a crucial save against Bellingham in the first half.
- Conor Bradley (9/10): The breakout star of the night, he dominated Vinicius Jr. and constantly pushed forward, leaving fans chanting his name.
- Ibrahima Konate (6/10): Struggled against Bellingham in one-on-one situations but wasn't exploited further.
- Virgil van Dijk (7/10): A masterclass in defensive awareness, though less physically dominant than usual. Contributed offensively with headers from corners.
- Andrew Robertson (8/10): Proved his worth with a vintage performance, justifying his place in the starting XI.
Midfield:
- Ryan Gravenberch (8/10): A tireless workhorse, he closed down spaces and provided a solid foundation for his teammates.
- Alexis Mac Allister (9/10): The hero of the night, his goal and all-around play were exceptional.
- Dominik Szoboszlai (9/10): A constant threat, his delivery for Mac Allister's goal was inch-perfect, and he forced Courtois into a world-class save.
Attack:
- Mohamed Salah (6/10): Quiet for most of the game, but his moment of brilliance nearly set up a second goal.
- Hugo Ekitike (5/10): Struggled to make an impact in a tightly marked role.
- Florian Wirtz (6/10): Showed promise with his work rate but is still finding his feet creatively.
Subs & Manager:
- Curtis Jones (6/10): Quickly adapted to the pace after coming on.
- Cody Gakpo (6/10): Forced a save from Courtois in his brief appearance.
- Milos Kerkez (N/A): Threw himself into the action but required immediate treatment.
- Federico Chiesa (N/A): Limited time to make an impact.
- Arne Slot (8/10): His minimal changes paid off, potentially setting the stage for a season turnaround.
But here's the real question: Can Liverpool maintain this momentum, or will they falter under pressure? With performances like these, the Reds are certainly a team to watch. What do you think? Are Liverpool back in the title race, or is it too early to tell? Let us know in the comments!
