Liverpool end Real Madrid’s perfect Champions League run with a 1–0 win at Anfield as Alexis Mac Allister’s header reignites their European campaign

Liverpool end Real Madrid’s perfect run in the UEFA Champions League with a determined 1–0 victory at Anfield on Tuesday night, thanks to Alexis Mac Allister’s second-half header that sealed a morale-boosting win for Arne Slot’s men.

Also read: Arsenal Extend Perfect Champions League Run with 3-0 win

The Reds, who had endured a dismal spell of six defeats in eight matches, produced a commanding display that halted Madrid’s flawless start to the European campaign.

The result leaves both sides tied on nine points from their opening four games in the new league-phase format.

Despite the narrow scoreline, Liverpool dominated much of the contest, carving out several opportunities only to be repeatedly denied by Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois, whose heroics kept the visitors in the game.

Mac Allister eventually broke the deadlock after an hour, rising highest to head home Dominik Szoboszlai’s pinpoint free-kick — finally beating the Belgian goalkeeper who had frustrated Liverpool since the opening whistle.

Earlier, Szoboszlai, Florian Wirtz, and Virgil van Dijk all came close, while VAR spared Madrid when Aurelien Tchouameni escaped a penalty call for handball.

Madrid, led by former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso, struggled to find their rhythm.

Their attacking trio of Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, and Vinicius Junior were largely contained by a revitalised Liverpool defence.

Mbappe missed the best chance for the visitors, dragging a late shot wide from the edge of the box.

Slot’s men looked far sharper and more organised than in recent weeks. The return of energy and cohesion was greeted by a raucous Anfield crowd that willed the team over the line in the closing minutes.

The night also marked the emotional return of Trent Alexander-Arnold, making his first appearance since mid-September after a hamstring injury.

Despite being met with jeers from sections of the crowd following the vandalism of his mural before the match, the full-back helped Liverpool hold firm in the closing stages.

Courtois denied substitute Cody Gakpo in stoppage time, but the Reds’ defence stood resolute to record their first Champions League clean sheet of the season — and a result that could signal a turning point in their campaign.

Also read: Arsenal Extend Perfect Champions League Run with 3-0 win

For Real Madrid, it was the first time they had failed to score all season, while Liverpool celebrated a gritty, spirited win that rekindles belief in their European ambitions.