Liverpool secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Real Madrid in their Champions League encounter, thanks to Alexis Mac Allister's goal. The win marked a much-needed turnaround for the Reds, who had been struggling with recent defeats.
Trent Alexander-Arnold, who made a subdued return to Anfield after joining his former club, was subjected to a hostile reception from the home crowd. The right-back, who walked away from Liverpool last summer, looked out of place and struggled to make an impact on the game, before being introduced as a late substitute.
However, it was Conor Bradley, Alexander-Arnold's replacement at right-back, who stole the show with a solid display against Vinicius Junior. The Northern Ireland international's performance earned him widespread praise from coach Arne Slot, who described him as "outstanding".
Bradley's game also marked a significant improvement for Liverpool, who had been struggling to find consistency in recent weeks. The win has lifted them into the top eight places in the Champions League table and has given them a much-needed confidence boost.
Despite their dominance, Real Madrid were unable to find an equaliser, with Thibaut Courtois producing three crucial saves to deny Dominik Szoboszlai. The Belgian goalkeeper was also forced to tip over headers from Virgil van Dijk and Hugo Ekitike, as the match became increasingly intense.
The win marked a perfect record for Real Madrid in LaLiga coming into this game but it ended their Champions League campaign at 1-0 defeat.
Liverpool's victory has set them up nicely to face their next opponent with high hopes of climbing higher in the competition.
Trent Alexander-Arnold, who made a subdued return to Anfield after joining his former club, was subjected to a hostile reception from the home crowd. The right-back, who walked away from Liverpool last summer, looked out of place and struggled to make an impact on the game, before being introduced as a late substitute.
However, it was Conor Bradley, Alexander-Arnold's replacement at right-back, who stole the show with a solid display against Vinicius Junior. The Northern Ireland international's performance earned him widespread praise from coach Arne Slot, who described him as "outstanding".
Bradley's game also marked a significant improvement for Liverpool, who had been struggling to find consistency in recent weeks. The win has lifted them into the top eight places in the Champions League table and has given them a much-needed confidence boost.
Despite their dominance, Real Madrid were unable to find an equaliser, with Thibaut Courtois producing three crucial saves to deny Dominik Szoboszlai. The Belgian goalkeeper was also forced to tip over headers from Virgil van Dijk and Hugo Ekitike, as the match became increasingly intense.
The win marked a perfect record for Real Madrid in LaLiga coming into this game but it ended their Champions League campaign at 1-0 defeat.
Liverpool's victory has set them up nicely to face their next opponent with high hopes of climbing higher in the competition.