Champions League — Match Reaction
Games don’t come much bigger than a trip to Anfield under the European lights, and yet Real Madrid’s performance fell short on an evening where intensity and conviction were required. Liverpool edged the first leg 1-0 thanks to an Alexis Mac Allister header, leaving Carlo Ancelotti’s side with plenty to improve upon ahead of the return fixture.
Fede Valverde once again started at right-back, with the Uruguayan wearing the captain’s armband. The midfield double pivot of Aurélien Tchouaméni and Eduardo Camavinga provided the structural foundation, while Jude Bellingham operated behind the attacking trio of Vinícius Júnior, Kylian Mbappé and Arda Güler. On paper, Real Madrid’s lineup carried quality across the board — but on the pitch, rhythm and sharpness were missing for long periods.
A Controlled but Toothless First Half
Liverpool set the tone early, pressing with energy and pushing Madrid into uncomfortable areas. Thibaut Courtois was called into action multiple times, first denying a close-range effort before stopping a driven strike from distance. VAR intervened midway through the half to rule out a penalty after Tchouaméni was struck on the hand from close range, the referee deeming it unintentional.
Madrid’s best moments came in transition. Jude Bellingham drove into the box only to place his shot wide of the near post, while Arda Güler forced a routine stop from Alisson. But overall, Madrid lacked incision in the final third. The tempo was too slow, the movements too predictable, and Liverpool’s back line rarely found themselves stretched.
The score remained level at the interval — a fair reflection of a cautious opening 45 minutes.
Liverpool Strike First
The second half began with Liverpool pushing harder for the breakthrough. Virgil van Dijk threatened first, only for Courtois to gather comfortably. A minute later, the goalkeeper produced another trademark European save, clawing away a powerful effort that seemed destined for the top corner.
But Courtois could do nothing when Alexis Mac Allister rose to guide a looping header into the net. It was a deserved opener for the hosts, who had controlled the momentum.
Madrid responded with their brightest moment of the match: Kylian Mbappé spinning onto a half-volley at the edge of the box, the ball flashing just inches wide. Had it fallen inside the post, the narrative might have shifted.
Instead, Liverpool continued to dominate the decisive moments. Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah each came close to doubling the lead — only Courtois and some desperate defending kept Madrid alive.
No Late Push, No Real Threat
What was most concerning was the absence of urgency from Los Blancos as time wound down. The team did not surge forward with belief. The final third lacked intensity, invention, and resolve. There was no late storm, no familiar Madrid spark, no feeling of inevitability.
It was a flat ending to a flat performance.
Full-Time: Liverpool 1-0 Real Madrid
Ancelotti’s men now return to the Bernabéu needing a more assertive display — one that reflects the identity of this club on European nights. Liverpool’s lead is narrow, not decisive. The tie remains open.
But improvements are not optional. They are essential.
Madrid must rediscover their aggression, their speed, and their conviction in possession. The Champions League demands personality — and Real Madrid will need to show far more of it in the second leg.