Liverpool 2-0 Real Madrid: Match review | OneFootball

An underwhelming performance by Real Madrid led Liverpool to secure their first victory against the reigning Champions since 2009.

Real Madrid began the game with the best possible lineup as Arda Güler and Brahim Díaz both were rewarded with starts.

It did not take long for Liverpool to cause the first scare as Raul Asencio thankfully made a goal line clearance to prevent the Reds from taking an early lead.

Güler was seen a few times during the opening half, covering for Fede Valverde – who was playing as a right back.

There were a few opportunities created by the Los Blancos midfield but the Liverpool defence was up to the mark at all times.

The youngster, Conor Bradley was solid against Kylian Mbappe and prevented the Frenchman of breaking free on a solo run by making a strong tackle.

Real Madrid did not take risks at all during the opening half, which was evident by the fact that the Merengues were unable to create a single big chance.

The second half began on a similar note, but this time Arne Slot’s side came out with extra intensity and were on course to take their chances.

Finally, in the 52nd minute after being prevented by Thibaut Courtois throughout the game, Alexis Mac Allister slotted the ball home to put his side in to the lead.

Arda Güler and Eduardo Camavinga were both taken off a few minutes after conceding the goal.

Lucas Vazquez, who entered the pitch for Güler, earned Real Madrid a golden opportunity to get the score level. But, Kylian Mbappe squandered the opportunity as Caoimhin Kelleher dived left to save his penalty.

Mo Salah also received a penalty but luckily, missed that. This particular miss gave Real Madrid some hope of a comeback, but those hopes did not stay for long as substitute Cody Gakpo powerfully headed the ball into the back of the net to double the lead and arguably kill the game.

It was surprising to see Carlo Ancelotti introduce Endrick late despite being in need of goals. The youngster was unable to do much and Real Madrid succumbed to their third Champions League loss of the season.

There were only a few positives from this loss for the Merengues; one of them being Raul Asencio’s performance on a European night. There were moments of nervousness but the youngster did well and may have helped prevent a huge loss.

However, it was surprising to see some of Carlo Ancelotti’s comments in the post match conference wherein he was heard saying that he liked the way the team had competed against a competent Liverpool side and even if his side had won, they were not going to qualify for the top 8.

It was shocking to see a manager of Ancelotti’s stature to make such comments, as he had “no regrets” and that the team played the way they were supposed to.

The Italian manager also made a bold statement, claiming that his side will be in the Champions League final in Munich. He will have to back this statement up otherwise it would come to bite him in the back if Los Blancos are knocked out of the competition early.

Moreover, Kylian Mbappe needs to buck up. He offered absolutely zero defensive work-rate throughout the game and had a shambolic outing in what is considered his favourite position. It is fair to say that Vinicius Junior’s presence was immensely missed.

For now, Real Madrid are placed in a precarious position in the Champions League table where they sit on the 24th position. The maximum number of points which can be achieved are 15, from here on and it does not seem like it would be enough to earn them a top 8 spot.

Most probably, Los Blancos will have to play the playoffs in order to qualify for the Round of 16, which in the current situation of the squad looks difficult since Eduardo Camavinga is also now injured for 2-3 weeks plus Bellingham and Brahim suffered minor injuries during the game as well.

This is clearly not the football Real Madrid are expected to play on a UCL night and major reinforcements are required in January.