Liverpool continued their great form under Arne Slot as the Premier League giant defeated Real Madrid 2-0 at Anfield.
The Reds showed why they are currently on top of the Premier League table with an outstanding victory over the current UEFA Champions League holder. While Kylian Mbappe missed a penalty, Liverpool’s Mo Salah also failed to score from the spot.
However, goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo was enough for Liverpool to continue their good form in the tournament.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot fielded young right-back Conor Bradley with Trent Alexander-Arnold out injured while second goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher started ahead of the injured Allison Becker.
Both players were impressive on the night and Slot has nothing but words of praise.
Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid is challenged by Conor Bradley of Liverpool (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
“Did Conor play the ball to Macca – he was in a strange position, then!” Slot said. “It is nice for him, his family and us but also for the academy. Not only him … Caoimhín and Curtis were outstanding. To have three academy players doing so well is a big compliment for the academy. For Caoimhín, the penalty was a big moment. You see Mbappé behind the ball and I thought what everyone thought – this will probably go in.”
Meanwhile, Real’s manager, Carlo Ancelotti said: “It is a fair result, Liverpool deserved to win. For Mbappé it is a difficult moment. We have to support him and give him our love, he will soon be fine.”
Liverpool will now shift focus to their Premier League clash against Manchester City this weekend.
While it’s still unknown if Alexander-Arnold will be available for the match, Bradley was seen limping off with what appeared to be a muscle problem and the centre-half Ibrahima Konaté in obvious discomfort with an unspecified problem after the final whistle.
Slot will be hoping all his defenders are in good shape ahead of what will be a great battle with Manchester City.
