A dramatic night at Anfield saw Liverpool's resurgence continue as they defeated Real Madrid, with Alexis Mac Allister's heroics stealing the show. But this wasn't just any ordinary match; it was a clash of European heavyweights with a twist.
The Return of the Champions
As the sun set on Merseyside, the focus shifted from who was returning to Anfield to what was returning. Liverpool, under the guidance of Arne Slot, had recaptured the magic of their title-winning season, and Real Madrid, for the second November in a row, were left searching for their own spark.
Mac Allister, the man who had previously scored against the Spanish giants, once again proved to be the difference-maker. His goal, amidst a display of controlled aggression and clear intent from Liverpool, ignited their Champions League campaign and potentially their entire season.
But here's where it gets controversial...
Slot, while acknowledging the significance of the win, was cautious about drawing direct comparisons with last season's victory. Real Madrid's injury woes and subsequent squad changes were cited as reasons for this. However, an unspoken difference loomed large: Liverpool's current form contrasted sharply with their 13-game unbeaten run leading up to the previous encounter.
The stage was set, and Real Madrid found themselves under immediate pressure. Liverpool's intensity and confidence dominated the opening minutes, with Florian Wirtz, back in the starting lineup, creating the first chance. Mac Allister's miss only served as a warning shot, as the tone for an absorbing contest was set.
Conor Bradley, in a personal duel with Vinícius Júnior, captivated the crowd. Their battle, reminiscent of last November's encounter, saw Bradley thrive against Madrid's star players. From a thunderous challenge on Kylian Mbappé to a running feud with Vinícius, Bradley's performance was a highlight.
And this is the part most people miss...
Amidst the excitement, Trent Alexander-Arnold's return to Anfield after a tumultuous summer exit added an intriguing layer to the match. Booed three times during the warm-up, his reception was far from intimidating, but the former fan favorite still managed to find time for a laugh with Curtis Jones and Cody Gakpo.
Liverpool's dominance continued, but they were denied by a familiar ghost, Thibaut Courtois. The goalkeeper, who had haunted them in the 2022 Champions League final, saved Dominik Szoboszlai's effort at point-blank range.
The controversy intensified when Szoboszlai's next attempt struck Aurélien Tchouaméni's hand, leading to a heated debate over a potential penalty. The referee's decision to award a free-kick instead left Anfield in an uproar.
But the real question is: Was it a clear-cut penalty, or did Tchouaméni's arms assume a natural position?
As the match progressed, Courtois remained the busier goalkeeper, with Liverpool dominating possession. Szoboszlai and Mac Allister both tested him, but it was Courtois' resistance that kept Real Madrid in the game.
However, his heroics were finally overcome when Jude Bellingham conceded a free-kick, leading to Szoboszlai's set-piece delivery. Mac Allister, breaking free in the box, headed the ball past Courtois, and this time, VAR confirmed the goal.
Anfield erupted, and Liverpool's clean sheet and set-piece goal added to Slot's satisfaction.
So, what do you think? Was the referee's decision to deny the penalty fair? And how far can this Liverpool team go with their renewed momentum? Let us know in the comments!
