Real Madrid relives its ghosts in Anfield: Courtois prevents another rout against Liverpool (1-0)

Real Madrid relived their ghosts at Anfield a year after the 2-0 defeat in the 24/25 Champions League group stage. This season, the difference was smaller in the result, but not on the field. Liverpool once again nullified the 'merengues' (1-0) to reach 9 points, the same as the 'Casa Blanca' after four matchdays.

Xabi Alonso repeated the lineup from the Clásico against FC Barcelona, with Camavinga back in midfield and Jude Bellingham as an attacking midfielder/ 'false 9'. However, the Whites had trouble getting into the opponent's area with danger, dominated by a Liverpool whose midfield imposed conditions from the start.

In the second half, the match was more even, but the home team made the difference with a header from Alexis Mac Allister in the 61st minute. In the end, the result was narrow, thanks to Courtois' saves and the 'Reds' lack of aim. 

Courtois and VAR saved Real Madrid in the first half

In the first 45 minutes, the clearest chances fell to Liverpool. Dominik Szoboszlai was met with two remarkable saves from Courtois, one after quickly closing down a one-on-one opportunity and the other with a remarkable stretch to stop a long-range shot.

Alexis Mac Allister also tested the Belgian's reflexes with another good shot from outside the area, but the '1' was inspired. Madrid had their best opportunity in stoppage time, after a chipped pass from Vinicius to Bellingham that left the Englishman well-positioned to finish with his left foot. However, Mamardashvilli saved with his foot.

The most controversial play of the first half featured Aurélien Tchouaméni. In the 31st minute, referee István Kovács was called by VAR to review a possible handball penalty by the Frenchman, but the Romanian judge considered that the midfielder had his arms close to his body when deflecting Salah's shot.

Mac Allister put Liverpool ahead with a header

Alexis Mac Allister celebrating his goal against Real Madrid

After the break, Liverpool intensified their siege of the 'merengue' area. Van Dijk and Ekitike warned with very dangerous headers, two of them sent to the corner by a Courtois in a state of grace.

Although the pressure from the 'Reds' waned in the following 15 minutes, Real Madrid still couldn't find their footing at Anfield. Camavinga's turnovers and a Bellingham who was disconnected at times made each 'Blanco' possession telegraphed attacks, lacking depth. Not to mention Mbappé's performance, who was very subdued throughout the day.

Kovács forgave Jude's expulsion in the 60th minute after an ugly, mistimed tackle on Ekitike. From that very foul, near the right side of the area, came the opening goal.

Szoboszlai crossed the ball into the heart of the area, Bellingham was caught out, and Mac Allister, alone, blasted a powerful header past Courtois. In 61 minutes, Liverpool finally broke through the Belgian wall and did justice to the scoreline.

Real Madrid Suffered Their Second Defeat of the Season

Xabi Alonso put Rodrygo in for Camavinga in the 69th minute, looking to reactivate a team that was totally lethargic in the second half. Only in the 75th minute did a pass from Vinicius to Mbappé allow the Frenchman to shoot first time, but his shot went slightly wide.

Arne Slot, for his part, put Curtis Jones and Cody Gakpo in for Mac Allister and Ekitike. For Madrid, Alexander-Arnold also entered for Liverpool in place of Arda Güler. Towards the end, Kerkez and Chiesa also came on for the locals, in addition to Brahim Díaz for 'Casa Blanca'.

In the final minutes, Liverpool came close to extending their lead with an opportunity for Salah, again nullified by a quick save from Courtois to narrow the shooting angle. Ultimately, there were no further changes to the score.

Real Madrid, after three straight victories, suffered their first defeat in the Champions League (second of the season) and remains with 9 points, the same as Liverpool. Barça will be able to match their record if they defeat Brugge this Wednesday.

Match data sheet: Liverpool 1-0 Real Madrid

• Liverpool, 1: Mamardashvili; Bradley, Konaté, Van Dijk, Robertson (Kerkez, min. 89); Gravenberch, Mac Allister (Jones, min. 78), Szoboszlai; Salah, Wirtz (Chiesa, min. 89) and Ekitike (Gakpo, min. 78).
• Real Madrid, 0: Courtois; Valverde (Brahim, min. 90), Militao, Huijsen, Carreras; Tchouameni, Camavinga (Rodrygo, min. 68), Güler (Alexander-Arnold, min. 79); Bellingham, Vinicius and Mbappé.
• Goals: 1-0, Alexis Mac Allister (min. 61)
• Referee: István Kovács (Romania). Booked Vinicius Jr, Dean Huijsen, Jude Bellingham and Álvaro Carreras for Real Madrid. For Liverpool, he cautioned Alexis Mac Allister. He declined to award a penalty for a handball by Tchouaméni inside the area in the first half.
• Stadium: Anfield Road, Liverpool.
• Incidents: Match corresponding to matchday 4 of the league phase of the UEFA Champions League 2025/26.