Liverpool Reclaims Top Spot in Champions League with a 2-0 Win Over Real Madrid

Liverpool soared to the top of the Champions League table, securing their first victory over Real Madrid in 15 years on Wednesday (Nov 27) with a commanding 2-0 win. Goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo sealed the triumph.

The Reds' dominance was such that they could afford a rare penalty miss from Mohamed Salah between goals. This victory marked their fifth win in five games, placing them two points clear in the revamped league format.

It was a tough night for Real Madrid, who now sit 24th in the 36-team competition. Star player Kylian Mbappe struggled under tight marking and missed a penalty that could have leveled the score in the second half.

Liverpool controlled possession and created numerous chances against the reigning Champions League holders. Mac Allister opened the scoring in the 52nd minute, finishing a slick one-two with Conor Bradley in front of the ecstatic Kop end at Anfield.
Gakpo secured the win in the 76th minute with a header past Thibaut Courtois, following a precision cross from Andy Robertson.

"Scoring against a team like Real Madrid is always special, but the crucial thing is that we deservedly won the match," Mac Allister said. "We dominated the game and earned this victory."
The win continued the sensational start for Liverpool under manager Arne Slot. Alongside their perfect record in the Champions League, Liverpool also leads the Premier League by eight points.

HISTORY
Liverpool had not beaten Real Madrid since 2009, with their last eight encounters including two painful Champions League final defeats.
"It’s a huge result for us," said goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher. "They've had the upper hand in the past, so we really wanted to put on a performance tonight." Kelleher's second-half penalty save against a low-spirited Mbappe was met with one of the loudest roars of the night.

"I try not to focus too much on the player. I was confident and luckily guessed the right way," he added.
Slot has exceeded expectations since taking over from popular predecessor Juergen Klopp. He has introduced more calm and control into Liverpool’s play while maintaining their aggressive pressing and dynamic attacking style.
Liverpool could have put the game away in the first half, with Darwin Nunez having three golden chances denied by Courtois. The biggest cheer preceeded Conor Bradley’s stunning tackle that halted Mbappe’s run towards goal.
In the second half, following Mbappe's weak penalty, Salah's miss from the spot elicited gasps from the crowd.

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti acknowledged the deserved result for Liverpool. "They have a great momentum right now, and we have to admit Liverpool deserved the win."
The top eight teams automatically qualify for the last 16, while the next 16 will enter a two-legged playoff to join them.