Liverpool secured a 1-0 victory over Real Madrid in the Champions League at Anfield, with Alexis Mac Allister heading the winner in the 60th minute. The result marked Liverpool's first back-to-back wins since September and moved them into the top six of the table. Trent Alexander-Arnold faced boos upon his substitute appearance for Real Madrid.
Liverpool hosted Real Madrid in a highly anticipated Champions League group stage match at Anfield on November 4, 2025. The game was defined by intense action and strong defensive displays, particularly from Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who made several key saves to keep the scoreline close.
Key Moments
The first half ended goalless despite several chances. Early on, Mac Allister lashed an effort wide, while Kylian Mbappe blazed over for Real Madrid. At the 27th minute, Dominik Szoboszlai had a clear opportunity after Florian Wirtz rolled the ball across the box, but Courtois smothered the shot. A potential penalty for Liverpool was overturned by VAR when Szoboszlai's shot struck Aurelien Tchouameni's arm, deemed too close to his body. Before halftime, Szoboszlai's strike stung Courtois's palms, and Giorgi Mamardashvili saved Jude Bellingham's effort from a tight angle.
In the second half, Courtois continued his heroics, clawing away a Virgil van Dijk header two minutes after the restart and denying Hugo Ekitike from the ensuing corner. The breakthrough came on the hour mark when Mac Allister headed home Szoboszlai's free-kick for his first goal of the season, sending Anfield into eruption.
Trent Alexander-Arnold, returning to Anfield since joining Real Madrid in the summer, was introduced as a substitute in the 80th minute to deafening boos. A mural of the former Liverpool player had been vandalized earlier. Late chances included Cody Gakpo drawing a save from Courtois and Eder Militao blocking Mohamed Salah's effort.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot praised his team's performance: "It brings the best out of my players" against Real Madrid, who had scored 26 goals in LaLiga with 24 contributions from Mbappe and Vinicius Jr. Real coach Xabi Alonso noted the tight game and small details deciding it. Both teams now have nine points from four matches.
