For the first time since 2009, Liverpool defeated Real Madrid in the Champions League, announcing itself as the team to beat in Europe.
Liverpool and Real Madrid squared off in the Champions League for the ninth time this decade. The Reds came into the match with four wins in their previous four UCL matches, putting them atop the standings with a perfect record. Carlo Ancelotti's side, meanwhile, already suffered two European defeats and arrived in England without the injured Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo, Dani Carvajal, Éder Militão, David Alaba and Aurélien Tchouaméni.
The first half kicked off with the hosts firmly on the front foot. An awful giveaway by Kylian Mbappé sent Liverpool charging forward in the opening minutes of the match. Darwin Núñez delivered a hard strike that needed both a save from Thibaut Courtois and a goal line clearance from Raúl Asencio to keep the score level.
Despite enjoying the majority of possession and the better chances throughout the opening 45 minutes, Liverpool could not find the game's opener. Real Madrid, on the other hand, retreated into the locker room without a shot on target.
Liverpool came surging out of the tunnel, pinning the visitors to their own half as soon as the second half kicked off. Alexis Mac Allister finally found the breakthrough in the 52nd minute after a lovely one-two with Conor Bradley. Real Madrid had a chance to equalize from the spot just nine minutes later, but Mbappé's effort was saved.
Mohamed Salah was the next man up to try his luck from the spot, but he too failed to convert. Cody Gakpo finally found the second goal of the match in the 76th minute, sealing Liverpool's 2–0 victory.
Here's three things we learned from the UCL clash.
