Liverpool's title-winning debut season under Arne Slot has come full circle as they dispatched Real Madrid in a dominant display, sending a clear message that their season is on the right track.
The Spaniards, who had been looking for a spark from their star-studded lineup, were left to rue their lack of purpose as Liverpool, with all the control and intent of a well-oiled machine, dismantled them. The title win last season was just a precursor to what Slot's team is capable of this time around, and it's clear that they've been working on fine-tuning their tactics and organization.
Xabi Alonso's men were kept at bay by a resolute Liverpool backline, with Conor Bradley emerging as the hero of the night. The young defender, who had his name in lights after Trent Alexander-Arnold's return to Anfield, was the epitome of professionalism against the likes of Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior.
Alexander-Arnold, meanwhile, struggled to find his footing on his comeback match. Despite the boos from the Anfield faithful, he looked off-color throughout and was left with a few choice words from the Liverpool dugout after the game. It's clear that the 21-year-old has some big shoes to fill now that Alisson Becker is no longer between the posts.
Real Madrid, meanwhile, were left to feel frustrated by their inability to get out of their half for long stretches. They were constantly pegged back and kept on the back foot as Liverpool dictated the tempo of the game. It was a sobering reminder of how far they've fallen from last season's Champions League final appearance.
The turning point in the game came when Szoboszlai missed a clear-cut penalty after Wirtz had broken free, only to have it snubbed by referee Istvan Kovacs due to Tchouaméni making contact with the ball. Anfield erupted in disgust at the decision, and it seemed to galvanize Slot's side more than the Spanish giants.
In the end, it was Alexis Mac Allister who proved to be the difference-maker, bulleting a header past Courtois to seal the win for Liverpool. It was a fitting way to send a message to their opponents that this season is one not to be taken lightly.
The Spaniards, who had been looking for a spark from their star-studded lineup, were left to rue their lack of purpose as Liverpool, with all the control and intent of a well-oiled machine, dismantled them. The title win last season was just a precursor to what Slot's team is capable of this time around, and it's clear that they've been working on fine-tuning their tactics and organization.
Xabi Alonso's men were kept at bay by a resolute Liverpool backline, with Conor Bradley emerging as the hero of the night. The young defender, who had his name in lights after Trent Alexander-Arnold's return to Anfield, was the epitome of professionalism against the likes of Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior.
Alexander-Arnold, meanwhile, struggled to find his footing on his comeback match. Despite the boos from the Anfield faithful, he looked off-color throughout and was left with a few choice words from the Liverpool dugout after the game. It's clear that the 21-year-old has some big shoes to fill now that Alisson Becker is no longer between the posts.
Real Madrid, meanwhile, were left to feel frustrated by their inability to get out of their half for long stretches. They were constantly pegged back and kept on the back foot as Liverpool dictated the tempo of the game. It was a sobering reminder of how far they've fallen from last season's Champions League final appearance.
The turning point in the game came when Szoboszlai missed a clear-cut penalty after Wirtz had broken free, only to have it snubbed by referee Istvan Kovacs due to Tchouaméni making contact with the ball. Anfield erupted in disgust at the decision, and it seemed to galvanize Slot's side more than the Spanish giants.
In the end, it was Alexis Mac Allister who proved to be the difference-maker, bulleting a header past Courtois to seal the win for Liverpool. It was a fitting way to send a message to their opponents that this season is one not to be taken lightly.
meanwhile szoboszlai looks like the real deal! that penalty call was nuts btw
i'm loving how confident lfc seems this season, especially with arne slot at the helm. they totally nullified real madrid's attack and it was only a matter of time before they scored. szoboszlai should've converted that pen tho 
and the ref decision on that tchouaméni foul was mental 
anyway, lfc just showed everyone what they're capable of and i'm hyped for the rest of the season!! 
The Liverpool squad's display against Real Madrid has been a testament to the effectiveness of Arne Slot's management, showcasing a cohesive unit with clear tactical understanding 
. Their defensive solidity was a major factor in shutting down Real's attacking threats, and Conor Bradley's heroics were a perfect example of a young player rising to the occasion 
. It's intriguing to see how Alexander-Arnold will adjust to life without Alisson Becker between the posts – his form may be impacted by the absence of a dominant goalkeeper 
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. they looked like a team stuck in neutral. and anfield was literally shaking with rage when that pen got snubbed 
. can't believe the refs missed that one. anywayz, alexis mac allister is living his best life right now 
. btw, trent's back and he's not exactly lighting it up like he used to 
and now Real Madrid are just getting crushed 
. They're really clicking now and showing everyone what they're capable of. And let's be real, Real Madrid got served 
Conor Bradley was the hero of the night for sure, he looked so confident out there 
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. It's not a surprise they fell short against a Liverpool team on fire 
Alexander-Arnold had a rough comeback, but he'll get his form back I'm sure 
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. Szoboszlai should've taken that one for the win! 
And that penalty call was ROBBED 
️
Arne Slot's squad is so organized it's like a well-oiled machine, no wonder they're dominating everyone 
Tchouaméni's contact with the ball was clear as day 
anyway, Szoboszlai missed out and Mac Allister scored that winner 
. and btw, it's crazy to see Alexander-Arnold struggling after Alisson's departure 
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