Mac Allister Heads Liverpool Past Madrid as Trent Booed on Return

International football

07/06/1906

Liverpool Back to Their Best

Liverpool produced one of their most complete performances of the season, beating Real Madrid 1-0 at Anfield to boost their Champions League campaign. Alexis Mac Allister’s header midway through the second half sealed the win, while Trent Alexander-Arnold’s return to Merseyside turned sour amid relentless jeers from the home crowd.
Arne Slot’s side, who had recently snapped out of a poor domestic run, carried their momentum into Europe. Madrid, unbeaten in the competition before this match, were second-best throughout and struggled to match Liverpool’s energy and intensity.

Courtois Keeps Madrid in It

Real Madrid owed much to goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who kept the score respectable with a string of brilliant saves. The Belgian denied Dominik Szoboszlai three times in the first half and tipped headers from Virgil van Dijk and Hugo Ekitike over the bar.
Liverpool dominated most of the opening exchanges, pressing high and winning midfield battles through Gravenberch, Szoboszlai and Mac Allister. The Reds thought they had a penalty when Aurelien Tchouameni handled in the area, but VAR waved play on, to the frustration of the home fans.
Madrid’s star names, Kylian Mbappe, Vini Jr, and Jude Bellingham, struggled to influence proceedings. Mbappe managed only one shot on target, while Bellingham looked subdued and conceded the foul that led to the decisive goal.

Mac Allister Breaks the Deadlock

Liverpool’s breakthrough arrived in the 61st minute. Szoboszlai’s curling free-kick from the right found Mac Allister, who rose highest to guide his header past Courtois from close range. It was the Argentine’s second goal in as many Champions League meetings with Madrid and a fitting reward for Liverpool’s dominance.
From there, Slot’s men managed the game expertly. Conor Bradley, who replaced Alexander-Arnold as Liverpool’s new right-back, impressed again, keeping Vinicius Junior quiet and winning duels with confidence to raucous applauses by a charged Anfield crowd. His composed display further amplified the contrast between him and the returning former Anfield hero.

Key Moments and Standout Performers

This was a night that showcased Liverpool’s fight and freshness. Mac Allister and Szoboszlai ran the midfield, while Van Dijk marshalled the defense superbly. Bradley was the standout performer, combining defensive solidity with attacking intent. Andrew Robertson also had a good game at left back.
For Madrid, Courtois was the only player to emerge with real credit, preventing a heavier defeat. Alexander-Arnold, introduced late on by Xabi Alonso, endured a miserable cameo. Every touch was met with boos, culminating in an overhit cross that drew loud mockery from the stands.

What’s Next

The victory lifts Liverpool into the top six of the Champions League table, level on points with Real Madrid. They now turn their attention to a crucial Premier League clash against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium this weekend.
Madrid, meanwhile, will look to bounce back in La Liga, where they remain top. Xabi Alonso’s side travel to play Rayo Vallecano this weekend keen to quickly get this setback behind them. For Liverpool, this win may mark the moment their season truly turns a corner and for Alexander-Arnold, it was a reminder that Anfield has truly moved on.

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