LIVERPOOL – Alexis Mac Allister’s second-half header earned Liverpool a vital 1-0 victory over Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday night, a result the Argentine midfielder insisted his side “deserved.”
After a string of poor results under Arne Slot, the Reds produced a dominant performance against the reigning European giants, finally breaking through Real goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois’ wall of resistance shortly after the hour mark. Courtois, who had tormented Liverpool in past encounters, made eight outstanding saves before Mac Allister nodded home from a precise Dominik Szoboszlai free-kick.
“He is a fantastic ‘keeper we all know,” Mac Allister told Amazon Prime. “But today I think we were better and deserved to win.”
The Anfield faithful erupted as the six-time European champions recorded their first victory in four matches, rekindling hope in a turbulent campaign. The win came as a much-needed lift for Slot’s men, who had lost six of their previous eight outings.
Real Madrid, unbeaten since September’s 5-2 derby defeat to Atletico, suffered their first loss in over two months. Despite Courtois’ brilliance, Carlo Ancelotti’s side struggled to find rhythm, with Liverpool’s high press and quick transitions keeping the visitors pinned back for long spells.
“It’s a tough blow to take because we came from a run of good games,” admitted Madrid midfielder Fede Valverde. “But the important thing is to move forwards.”
Elsewhere in Europe, Luis Díaz scored twice as Bayern Munich edged holders Paris Saint-Germain 2-1 in Paris, while Premier League leaders Arsenal cruised past Slavia Prague 3-0. Arsenal’s 15-year-old Max Dowman made history as the youngest player ever to feature in the competition at 15 years and 308 days.
With the result, Liverpool reignited their Champions League campaign and silenced doubts over Slot’s leadership a night when persistence, patience, and Mac Allister’s precision finally paid off.
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