What a thrilling comeback tale at Anfield! Liverpool's determined squad turned the tables on a formidable Real Madrid side, clinching a decisive 1-0 Champions League victory that screams confidence—but Trent Alexander-Arnold's emotional return left fans divided. Dive in to see how this drama unfolded and who really stole the spotlight.
Published by Getty/GOAL on 04 Nov 2025 19:16-03:00
Liverpool delivered a powerful statement with their 1-0 triumph over a high-performing Real Madrid in the Champions League, right there on the iconic Anfield turf on Tuesday. The solitary goal, struck in the second half by the ever-reliable Alexis Mac Allister, was all it took to secure the three points for Jurgen Klopp's resurgent Reds. And while Trent Alexander-Arnold made his much-anticipated comeback to Anfield, the crowd's reaction was a blend of cheers and jeers as he entered the pitch—yet the post-match joy was unmistakably red.
But here's where it gets controversial: Trent's reception wasn't all warm welcomes. Was this a sign of lingering frustrations from past decisions, or just the heat of the moment in a passionate stadium? Real Madrid controlled the ball in the early stages, dictating the pace with their usual flair. However, Arne Slot's Liverpool side came tantalizingly close to breaking the deadlock first in the opening period. Thibaut Courtois, the Belgian keeper, acrobatically denied Dominik Szoboszlai with a quick foot save from point-blank range. There was also a VAR-reviewed moment for a potential handball penalty against Aurelien Tchouameni, but the officials waved it away—sparking debates about whether modern technology is truly leveling the playing field or adding unnecessary drama to high-stakes games like this.
As the match wore on, Courtois kept frustrating Liverpool's attackers, while at the other end, Giorgi Mamardashvili's net stayed largely unchallenged. Then, with an hour on the clock, a pinpoint cross from Szoboszlai met Mac Allister's bullet header, finally splitting the deadlock. Kylian Mbappe, often the hero for Madrid, had one of their rare glimpses of goal, but his shot sailed wide of the post. In the end, Liverpool deserved the win, boosting their morale and proving they're back in the Champions League hunt.
And this is the part most people miss: how individual performances, especially in defense, can shift the entire narrative of such a clash. Now, let's break down GOAL's ratings for Liverpool's players from this memorable Anfield encounter, with a friendly nod to how each contributed to this hard-fought success.
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Goalkeeper & Defence
Giorgi Mamardashvili (6/10): The Georgian shot-stopper stood tall, pulling off a solid save to block Jude Bellingham in the first half. For beginners, this means he prevented a clear scoring chance, showing composure under pressure. You might have expected him to be tested more given Madrid's attacking prowess, but he handled what came his way effectively.
Conor Bradley (9/10): Forget Trent—who? Facing the explosive threat of Vinicius Junior could have been daunting for a youngster, but Bradley not only defended brilliantly but also pushed forward aggressively, stifling the Brazilian star and making him almost invisible. He even tried advancing up the pitch to support attacks, tightening the screws on Real Madrid's play. This performance highlights why youth academy products can surprise everyone, turning a potential mismatch into a masterclass.
Ibrahima Konate (6/10): The French defender seemed out of sorts when left isolated against Bellingham, a situation that exposed some vulnerabilities. Madrid could have capitalized more, but they didn't—perhaps a testament to Liverpool's overall defensive shape rather than individual heroics.
Virgil van Dijk (7/10): This was less about aggressive, physical defending and more about sharp awareness and positioning to neutralize threats. He also contributed in attack, heading a few corners towards goal, which is a great way for defenders to add value beyond just stopping opponents.
Andrew Robertson (8/10): Starting four of the last five games justifies the club's decision to keep him despite bringing in Milos Kerkez. He played like he was in his prime, providing stability and experience on the left flank.
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Midfield
Ryan Gravenberch (8/10): The Dutch midfielder hustled tirelessly, covering vast areas to plug gaps in central midfield. This tireless effort created space for teammates to express themselves, much like a chess player protecting the king to allow the queen to roam free.
Alexis Mac Allister (9/10): Scoring against Madrid for the second season in a row, he powered home Szoboszlai's precise delivery with a header. His passing was crisp, and defensively, he made life tough for Madrid by clogging the middle of the pitch, disrupting their rhythm.
Dominik Szoboszlai (9/10): He forced a world-class save from Courtois with a close-range effort but also took shots from distance when opportunities arose. His constant creativity kept Mac Allister in the game for that crucial header, showcasing how midfield maestros can be the unsung heroes.
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Attack
Mohamed Salah (6/10): The Egyptian star had a quiet outing for much of the game, but a flash of individual magic nearly set up Cody Gakpo for a second goal. Moments like this remind fans that even legends have off days, but brilliance can still shine through.
Hugo Ekitike (5/10): Struggled to get involved in the build-up, facing tight marking as the central striker. Playing as a No.9 against world-class defenses is tough, and it was evident here—think of it as trying to score in a crowded room without much space to maneuver.
Florian Wirtz (6/10): Give him credit for his defensive work off the ball, tracking back to help the team. On the ball, things aren't clicking yet, but there are glimpses of creativity that suggest, with time, he'll become a key playmaker for Liverpool.
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Subs & Manager
Curtis Jones (6/10): Limited time on the pitch, but he adapted quickly to the game's tempo, demonstrating quick feet and intelligence.
Cody Gakpo (6/10): Coming on for the last 11 minutes, he tested Courtois with a shot, forcing another save and showing he can impact even brief appearances.
Milos Kerkez (N/A): Jumped right into the action upon entering, but immediately required medical attention—highlighting the physical toll of high-intensity matches.
Federico Chiesa (N/A): Brought on late at 88 minutes, perhaps to inject fresh pace in the dying moments.
Arne Slot (8/10): Opted for just one change from the side that beat Aston Villa over the weekend, slotting in Wirtz for Gakpo. With two wins in a row, this victory might just be the spark to ignite a strong season run.
So, what do you make of all this? Was Bradley's overshadowing of Alexander-Arnold the real story, or should Slot have handled Trent's return differently to avoid fan backlash? Do these ratings match your view of the game, or is there a player who deserves a higher or lower score? Share your opinions in the comments—let's debate whether this win marks Liverpool's true revival or just a lucky break against Madrid!
