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| Mac Allister celebrated Liverpool first goal | Getty Images Sport |
Liverpool maintained their flawless Champions League record
this season with 2-0 win over Real Madrid at Anfield on Wednesday
(27/11). The game was entertaining, with both teams showing strong
intensity, but it ended by missed penalties on both sides.
Liverpool dominated the first half, pressing from the start. Many opportunities
were created, but Liverpool's lack of proper finishing held the game at 0-0
until halftime. Liverpool, with full support from the Anfield crowd, appeared
to have greater ball possession, whilst Real Madrid relied on rapid
counterattacks that posed a threat. Liverpool's attacking rhythm began to
develop in the second half. Alexis Mac Allister scored the opening goal in the
52nd minute. The Argentine midfielder calmly placed the ball in the corner of
the net, unable to be stopped by Thibaut Courtois.
Real Madrid attempted to strike back, and had a wonderful
opportunity in the 60th minute. After Lucas Vazquez was tackled down by Andy
Robertson in the penalty area, the referee gave Los Blancos a penalty. Kylian
Mbappé came up as the executioner, but Caoimhin Kelleher saved his shot. The
young Liverpool goalie read the ball brilliantly and contributed significantly
to his team's victory. Liverpool was awarded a penalty in the 69th minute when
Mohamed Salah was hauled down by Ferland Mendy. Salah, who is normally a solid
penalty taker, failed to take advantage of this opportunity. His shot flew wide
to the right side of the goal, despite Courtois's previous movement in the
opposite direction.
Cody Gakpo scored the winning goal for the Reds in the 77th minute. The Dutch
striker scored a stunning goal off a ball from Andy Robertson. Gakpo calmly made
a powerful header, increasing the score 2-0. Until the final whistle, Real
Madrid had failed to score a comeback goal. Liverpool's backline performed
admirably, with Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté defending against Mbappé
and his teammates.
This victory keeps Liverpool at the top of the standings with 15 points, a
result of five straight wins. Meanwhile, Real Madrid sits 24th with 6 points,
facing a difficult fight to advance to the next round. The failure of two
penalties in this game became an interesting highlight. On the one hand,
Kelleher's courageous heroics saved Liverpool from Real Madrid's pressure. On
the other hand, Salah, who is normally quite clinical, demonstrated that even
the best players can have bad luck. With this victory, Liverpool gains
confidence in its upcoming matches, both in the Champions League and in
domestic leagues. Meanwhile, Real Madrid must improve if they hope to move
farther in Champions League.
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