Liverpool continued their impressive form with a famous victory over Real Madrid to reclaim their position at the top of the Champions League table.
It’s been a dream start to life as the Liverpool manager for Arne Slot both domestically and in Europe.
Hosting Real at Anfield was arguably Liverpool’s biggest test of the season to date, but the hosts were on top for the majority of the match and got their rewards in the second half when Alexis Mac Allister found the net.
Caoimhin Kelleher then came to the rescue by stopping Kylian Mbappe’s penalty to the delight of the Anfield faithful.
Caoimhin Kelleher saved Kylian Mbappe’s penalty
PA
Mohamed Salah had an opportunity to put the game out of sight from the penalty spot a few minutes later, but he fired wide.
Cody Gakpo eventually doubled Liverpool’s lead with an emphatic header as the Reds saw out the match for all three points.
GB News takes a look at four things learned from a famous win for the Reds against Real.
Anfield fear factor back
Carlo Ancelotti’s side may be a shadow of the side that romped to Champions League victory last year, but there was undoubtedly some nerves about facing an in-form Liverpool side at Anfield as well.
Liverpool were on the front foot from the outset with Anfield bouncing and cheering every tackle and forward move.
Conor Bradley got the loudest cheer of the first half when he completed a crunching tackle on Mbappe, who was having a difficult night on Merseyside.
The Nottingham Forest defeat at Anfield is looking more of an anomaly by the day with Real barely able to lay a glove on Slot’s side and Manchester City won’t be thrilled about heading to Merseyside this weekend either in their current form.
Caoimhin Kelleher deserves his chance
Liverpool’s decision to sign Giorgi Mamardashvili from Valencia as the successor to Alisson may be one of the most pointless transfers they’ve made in recent years.
While the Georgia international is highly regarded as one of the most promising young goalkeepers, Caoimhin Kelleher has proven time and time again how capable he is in stepping up as Liverpool’s No 1.
Alisson’s woeful injury record means that Kelleher has had to be relied upon more often than he might have expected, but he’s delivered on every occasion.
It’s clear the likes of Virgil van Dijk have complete trust in Kelleher and Alisson might have a difficult time taking back his spot when he returns to full fitness.
Liverpool looked in top form
PA
Conor Bradley passes test with flying colours
Conor Bradley had the toughest test on paper for a Liverpool player in trying to stop French superstar Mbappe.
But the right-back kept Mbappe in his back pocket all evening to the point where Ancelotti had to try and move the forward to a different role through the middle.
With Trent Alexander-Arnold’s contract situation no sooner to being resolved, Bradley has a great opportunity to stake his claim for a starting role for years to come.
Performances like this against Real will certainly not harm his chances in being Alexander-Arnold’s successor.
Kylian Mbappe was kept quiet by Liverpool
PA
Real Madrid in trouble
All the focus will be on a perfect evening for Liverpool in what was a resounding victory for Slot’s side, but there will equally serious cause for concern in Madrid.
They’ve now lost three of their opening five Champions League games, leaving them down in 24th.Missing out on the top-24 would be a disaster for the reigning champions, but is a very real possibility now.
They face a tricky away trip to Atalanta in their next game before hosting RB Salzburg in their penultimate Champions League match next year.
An away match to Brest, who have been a surprise package in this year’s Champions League, will not be an easy test either in their final match.
Ancelotti will need to turn things around fast to avoid an embarrassing Champions League exit.