A Night to Forget for Madrid’s Superstars
Real Madrid’s European momentum came to a grinding halt on Tuesday night as they suffered a 1-0 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield. Despite fielding a full-strength lineup, Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham both endured rare off-days, while Thibaut Courtois’s brilliance wasn’t enough to preserve their flawless Champions League run.
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The Reds seized control right from kickoff, pressing with intensity and forcing Madrid deep into their half. Vinícius Jr. tried to break through on the counter, but Carlo Ancelotti’s side struggled to build any rhythm, surviving mainly thanks to Courtois’ incredible reflexes. The Belgian pulled off five top-drawer saves in the opening 45 minutes alone, ensuring the first half ended goalless.
Mac Allister’s Header Sinks Los Blancos
Liverpool’s persistence finally paid off after the interval. Courtois twice rescued Madrid from set pieces, but even he couldn’t prevent Alexis Mac Allister from heading in Dominik Szoboszlai’s pinpoint free-kick, giving the home crowd reason to erupt.
That goal jolted Madrid to life. Mbappé began drifting centrally, Vinícius found pockets of space, and the visitors pushed forward — but clear chances were hard to come by. Their best moment came when Mbappé curled a low effort inches past the far post.
Late on, Trent Alexander-Arnold made his long-awaited return from injury, greeted by a chorus of boos from the home faithful. However, his cameo mirrored Madrid’s overall showing — quiet and uninspired, as the Spanish giants failed to find an equaliser.
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Real Madrid Player Ratings
Goalkeeper & Defence
Thibaut Courtois (9/10):
A phenomenal performance between the posts. Made several world-class saves and was blameless for the goal. Easily Madrid’s standout player.
Federico Valverde (7/10):
Deployed as a makeshift right-back, he defended with focus and discipline. Limited attacking output, but reliable at the back.
Éder Militão (7/10):
Solid defensively, strong in duels, and composed under pressure. One of the few who looked up for the fight.
Dean Huijsen (6/10):
Had a difficult night dealing with Ekitike’s movement. Committed a clumsy foul that earned him a booking but showed glimpses of composure on the ball.
Álvaro Carreras (6/10):
Impressed early by holding off Salah’s runs, but his influence waned as Liverpool turned up the tempo in the second half.
Midfield
Aurélien Tchouaméni (6/10):
Battled well but lacked control. Struggled against the movement of Wirtz and conceded too many fouls in dangerous areas.
Eduardo Camavinga (6/10):
Energetic and combative, yet often bypassed in transitions. Tried to drive Madrid forward but couldn’t dictate the rhythm.
Jude Bellingham (5/10):
A rare quiet night for the Englishman. Misplaced a few passes and failed to influence play in the final third.
Arda Güler (5/10):
Barely involved and lacked space to operate. Couldn’t impose himself against Liverpool’s pressing.
Attack
Kylian Mbappé (5/10):
Had little impact for most of the match. Grew livelier in the closing stages but wasted his best chance. Found himself frustrated by Van Dijk’s physicality.
Vinícius Jr. (6/10):
Looked Madrid’s most dangerous attacker early on, but Liverpool’s defensive discipline kept him contained. Lacked the final ball.
Substitutes & Manager
Rodrygo (6/10):
Added pace and urgency down the flank but couldn’t produce a decisive moment.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (5/10):
Booed on every touch. Struggled to make any meaningful contribution after coming on.
Brahim Díaz (N/A):
Came too late to affect proceedings.
Xabi Alonso (5/10):
Fielded his strongest XI but couldn’t inspire a reaction. Madrid were second-best throughout and would’ve suffered a heavier loss if not for Courtois’ heroics.
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