Liverpool dominate Real Madrid during Alexander Arnolds comeback
Liverpool shook off a tough streak with a commanding showing that halted Real Madrids flawless Champions League run via a 1-0 victory at Anfield on Tuesday.
Alexis Mac Allister nodded home the sole strike yet Madrid owed thanks to shot stopper Thibaut Courtois for limiting the damage.
Trent Alexander Arnold faced a frosty welcome upon his Liverpool reappearance as a late replacement and the local fans urged the Reds across the finish for what might mark a pivotal moment in their campaign.
Each team now sits level with nine points across their initial four fixtures in the league stage.
Liverpool had dropped six of their prior eight outings across all tournaments but stemmed the slide by overcoming Aston Villa on Saturday while Arne Slot opted for a more familiar lineup.
Florian Wirtz stepped in for Cody Gakpo as the lone alteration from the prior match and Liverpool once more resembled the outfit that clinched the Premier League crown last term.
It is straightforward to claim this now since we have secured consecutive victories said Liverpool skipper Virgil van Dijk. In moments of turmoil one must remain composed and grasp the broader view.
We all understand footballs nature it can shift in an instant.
Madrid had stumbled just twice across 20 matches under ex Liverpool icon Xabi Alonso yet leaned on Courtois to sidestep a repeat of their lone prior loss this year a 5-2 reverse against Atletico Madrid.
Nothing to fault the squad with. This is merely the league phase and we can reclaim those points remarked Alonso.
We fell short over minor elements. We missed punch in the attacking zone.
Mbappe held scoreless
Courtois shattered Liverpool hopes during their 2022 Champions League final clash with a standout performance as Los Blancos triumphed 1-0 in Paris.
The Belgians hectic evening kicked off when Wirtz set up Dominik Szoboszlai who could not overcome the ex Chelsea keeper from close quarters.
Madrid then gained from a VAR check that ruled Aurelien Tchouamenis arm position as natural while the Frenchman halted a effort within his penalty area.
It required 45 minutes for Madrids glittering attack to register a target attempt when Jude Bellingham twisted free in the area and unleashed a low drive that Giorgi Mamardashvili repelled with his legs.
Courtois kept thwarting Slots players amid a fiery opening to the second half by tipping aside fierce headers from Van Dijk and Hugo Ekitike before thwarting Szoboszlai again off a set piece.
It needed an hour for the English title holders yet at last the towering Madrid custodian fell when Mac Allister bulleted a header from Szoboszlais free kick.
A wall art of Alexander Arnold beside Anfield suffered damage in the lead up to kick off.
He endured jeers nine minutes shy of the end upon making his debut since September 16 following a hamstring issue.
Kylian Mbappes dazzling streak has fuelled Madrids strong campaign launch.
The French forward had netted in all but twice over 17 prior club and international appearances.
Mbappe wasted the guests prime opportunity to equalise by slicing astray from the boxes fringe.
Vinicius Junior found himself tightly contained by Alexander Arnolds former stand in Conor Bradley as the Iberian powerhouse blanked for the first time this term.
Courtois delivered a final sharp save against Gakpo to spark a tense conclusion.
However Liverpools often slammed backline held solid for their initial Champions League shutout of the season.