Bradley Conor pocketing Kylian Mbappe with everything he has in the Champions League encounter. Image: Liverpool FC shared via Facebook.
(The Post News)- In Wednesday’s Champions League match at Anfield, Liverpool defeated Real Madrid 2-0, although Kylian Mbappe and Mohammed Salah missed penalties.
The Reds returned to the top of the table with goals from Cody Gakpo and Alexis Mac Allister in the second half, maintaining their spotless record. Mohamed Salah missed a penalty kick as well, but it didn’t really matter because Liverpool won their 17th game under Arend “Arne” Slot. By crushing the Spanish powerhouses, Slot has already accomplished what Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was unable to do. Madrid, who were undefeated in eight prior meetings between the two teams, including Champions League finals against Klopp’s team in 2018, had a score to settle with Liverpool.
Following the defeat, Carlo Ancelotti’s club falls to 24th place in the standings. Only the top 24 advance to the knockout stage, while the top eight advance directly to the round of 16. Liverpool is on track to accomplish that, and in front of a boisterous Anfield crowd, the confidence that permeates a team that leads the Premier League by eight points was evident throughout.
Madrid’s David Alaba, Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo, Daniel Carvajal, Eder Militao, and Aurelien Tchouameni were all unable to travel to England due to injuries. As a result of their absence, young center-back Raul Asencio had to step up, and in four minutes he made a crucial goal-line clearing. After Salah sent Darwin Nunez in behind the Madrid defense, Asencio made a brilliant move to prevent the rebound from bouncing off him and into his own net, and Thibaut Courtois made an amazing save on his attempt. With a man-of-the-match display in the final two years ago, when Madrid won 1-0 in Paris, Courtois was Liverpool’s bane.
As the Liverpool pressure mounted without result prior to halftime, the Belgian was once again at the top of his game, blocking another great Nunez chance from point-blank range. At the beginning of the second session, Courtois was once again in excellent form, parrying Conor Bradley’s downward header. However, Liverpool proved unstoppable, as on minute fifty-two, Bradley created the space for Mac Allister to shoot into the far corner. In Vinicius’ absence, the visitors were counting on Mbappe to deliver a magical moment, but Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate, his international teammate, were well-marshalled by the Frenchman.
His chance to silence his detractors comes on the hour mark when Andy Robertson was unjustly deemed to have tripped Lucas Vazquez inside the area. In the absence of injured Alisson Becker, Caoimhin Kelleher has performed admirably. He jumped to his left to stop Mbappe’s penalty kick. Before the match, Salah caused a stir by expressing his displeasure that Liverpool had not extended his contract. Ferland Mendy was duped into a mistimed challenge by the Egyptian’s speed and cunning, who has been in outstanding form this season.
However, Salah’s penalty shot off the outside of the post gave Madrid a lifeline. Gakpo, a substitute, soared high from a corner to force a header past Courtois, giving Liverpool the lead with just six minutes to spare.
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