Liverpool roared past Real Madrid to remain top of the Champions League table, as Kylian Mbappé and Mohamed Salah both missed second half penalties, writes Dec Patterson at Anfield.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side returned to Merseyside after their emphatic 5-2 victory last time out in 2023, but revenge was sweet for the hosts who had lost seven of their previous eight meetings.
A fast start was anticipated and it lived up to those expectations as Salah slipped Darwin Núñez into a promising position in the final third. The Uruguayan striker thrashed his effort towards Thibaut Courtois, who bundled his save behind. Luckily for the Belgian, the effort was cleared off the line amidst goal shouts from the Kop.
Núñez was at it again in his battle with the scoresheet. A clipped ball over the top fell perfectly for the the number nine but his tame header trickled just inches wide.
The second half saw the Reds come out the tunnel in sixth gear.
A handful of potential penalty calls preceded an excellent combination between Liverpool right back Conor Bradley and Alexis Mac Allister. The latter shuffled between Madrid’s defence to receive Bradley’s slide rule pass to clip his strike past Courtois to put Arne Slot’s side in front.
The lead didn’t look to be lasting long as Andy Robertson clipped the foot of substitute, Lucas Vázquez who toppled over in the area.
A penalty was awarded by French referee François Letexier but Kylian Mbappé’s strike was emphatically palmed away by Caoimhin Kelleher to add to his save from the spot at Southampton at the weekend.
It was the hosts’ turn to get in on the penalty drama as Salah was tackled to the floor by Ferland Mendy. The Egyptian rose to his feet to step up, but his lashed effort clipped Courtois’ right hand post and went behind.
It took just seven minutes after that for Liverpool to double the lead as Gakpo rose highest to head home a succulent cross from Robertson.
The result leaves Liverpool the only side in the competition with an 100 per cent record. Meanwhile this was Madrid’s third defeat in four Champions League fixtures this season leaving them precaruously close to the cut off point for the knocout stage.
Talking Points:
Two Missed Penalties
How often do we see that at the highest level of European Football. Two of the best attackers in world football miss their penalties. Caoimhin Kelleher’s heroic save stopped Mbappé in his stride but Salah’s rather frustrated lash at goal will surprise many Kopites.
Slot’s table topping Liverpool
Top of the Premier League and the Champions League. Who would have expected that at the start of the season? It looks certain that Liverpool will qualify for the knockout stages. A victory on Sunday, however, could put them in great stead for Premier League glory.
