UCL: Liverpool Edges Real Madrid 1-0 in Champions League Thriller

Mac Allister's header secures crucial win for Liverpool

Liverpool beat Real Madrid 1-0 in a thrilling Champions League match, thanks to Alexis Mac Allister's decisive header. Thibaut Courtois made crucial saves, but couldn't save his team from defeat.

Trent Alexander-Arnold's introduction in the 81st minute was met with a chorus of boos from the Anfield crowd...

Alexis Mac Allister scored the only goal of the match with a powerful header in the second half, securing a 1-0 win for Liverpool over Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League at Anfield.

Trent Alexander-Arnold made a late appearance as a substitute, receiving a mixed reaction from the home crowd on his return to Merseyside. Meanwhile, Mac Allister had earlier rifled an effort over the bar, while Thibaut Courtois made a spectacular save to deny Dominik Szoboszlai's shot.

The win marked a significant victory for Arne Slot's side, who had lost six of their previous eight games in all competitions. Liverpool's defense, marshaled by Virgil van Dijk, held strong against Real Madrid's star-studded forward line, with Courtois making several crucial saves to keep the scoreline narrow.

Liverpool beat Real Madrid at Anfield 🔴💪#UCL pic.twitter.com/JZD9dxgjCQ

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) November 4, 2025

Controversy erupted in the 30th minute when referee Istvan Kovacs initially awarded a penalty to Liverpool for handball, only to overturn the decision following VAR intervention. The call sparked debate among fans and players alike, with many at Anfield believing Aurelien Tchouameni's hand had interfered with play. The VAR review ultimately deemed the ball had struck Tchouameni's shoulder, and the decision was reversed.

The contentious moment could have shifted the game's momentum but Liverpool continued to press forward. Despite the VAR overturn, Liverpool's attacking prowess remained on display, keeping Real Madrid's defense under pressure. The match remained goalless until the decisive moment when Alexis Mac Allister scored the winner.

Dominik Szoboszlai unleashed a powerful right-footed drive that Thibaut Courtois expertly parried to safety, showcasing the Hungarian midfielder's skill and precision.

The match was building in intensity as halftime approached, with Jude Bellingham and Alexis Mac Allister both threatening to break the deadlock. The first half ended goalless, setting the stage for a thrilling second half.

In the early stages of the second half, Courtois made a series of spectacular saves, denying Virgil van Dijk and Hugo Ekitike with his exceptional reflexes. The Belgian goalkeeper's heroics kept Liverpool at bay, but the Reds continued to press for a breakthrough.

The Reds finally found the breakthrough in the 61st minute when Dominik Szoboszlai's expertly taken free-kick was met by Alexis Mac Allister, who powered home an unstoppable header, giving Liverpool a well-deserved lead over Real Madrid. This marked Mac Allister's third Champions League goal, with two coming against Real Madrid.

Trent Alexander-Arnold's introduction in the 81st minute was met with a chorus of boos from the Anfield crowd. The 27-year-old received a largely negative reception as he replaced Conor Bradley, reflecting the tension surrounding his return to the team.

'We were better and deserved to win' ✊🔴

Alexis Mac Allister on Liverpool 1-0 Real Madrid 💬

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) November 4, 2025

Thibaut Courtois made a crucial save to deny Cody Gakpo from close range, keeping the scoreline at 1-0 in favor of Liverpool. This moment highlighted the intensity of the match, with both teams creating opportunities to score.

In the end, Liverpool's defensive efforts paid off, securing a hard-fought 1-0 win over Real Madrid. The victory could prove pivotal in the context of their season, potentially boosting their morale and league standings. Alexis Mac Allister's header in the 61st minute turned out to be the decisive factor in the match.

Liverpool's 1-0 win over Real Madrid marked their first back-to-back victories since late September, when they had a seven-game winning streak that ended with a defeat at Crystal Palace. This recent success is a positive sign for Arne Slot's side as they look to build momentum in the league.

Despite the loss, Real Madrid have limited grounds for complaint, given their recent struggles against English clubs. They've only managed two wins in their last 10 matches against English teams, with three draws and five losses. This trend highlights the challenges they've faced in adapting to the Premier League's intensity and competitiveness