Liverpool secured a comfortable 2-0 win against Real Madrid at Anfield in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday, November 27. The result sees the Reds remain top of the table with a perfect record after five games, while Los Blancos are struggling in 24th place with six points from five games.
Liverpool made a good start to the first half as they dominated possession of the ball and looked to take the initiative. They created several chances and looked sharp going forward, only to be denied by a strong Real Madrid defence backed by 'keeper Thibaut Courtois. The Reds managed six shots in the first half with three of those on target but could not score.
Real Madrid, on the other hand, seemed to lack the final pass. With Vinicius Junior out, they even lacked the unpredictability in the final third that usually makes them such a dangerous team on the counter. With five attempts in the first half, they failed to hit the target even once. There were four yellow cards shown in a closely-contested first half as the teams were tied at 0-0.
The second half saw Liverpool burst into life as they looked to win the game on home soil. Alexis Mac Allister gave them a great start to the second half as he scored just seven minutes after the restart with a low finish. Conor Bradley provided an assist for the goal as the hosts continued to dominate. Shortly after, Real Madrid had a chance to equalize but Kylian Mbappe missed a penalty.
Soon after, the Reds were awarded a spot-kick as well but Mohamed Salah failed to convert, firing his shot wide. Substitute Cody Gakpo eased tensions in the ground with his header to make it 2-0 in the 76th minute as Liverpool looked relaxed after that. Real Madrid posed no threat towards the end of the contest and looked far from likely to score.
The Reds secured a 2-0 win and on that note, let's take a look at their player ratings from this match.
Liverpool Player Ratings
Caiomhin Kelleher - 8/10
Kelleher put in a solid display between the sticks for Liverpool as he made two good saves in open play, and also saved a penalty to deny Kylian Mbappe.
Conor Bradley - 7.5/10
Bradley performed well for the Reds as he provided one assist. He also won eight duels, making one clearance and one last-man tackle as well.
Ibrahima Konate - 7.5/10
Konate played well in defence for the hosts as he won all five of his duels, making two interceptions and one clearance as well.
Virgil van Dijk - 7.5/10
Van Dijk was solid in defence for his team as he won five duels, making one clearance as well. The Dutchman also played eight long balls to open up the play for Liverpool.
Andrew Robertson - 8/10
Robertson had a great game on the left flank as he picked up an assist for his team's second goal. He also won two duels, making one interception and one tackle.
Curtis Jones - 7.5/10
Jones passed the ball with 93% accuracy, including two key passes. He also won six duels in midfield and completed three dribbles past opponents as well.
Ryan Gravenberch - 7/10
Gravenberch passed the ball with 92% accuracy and won two duels in midfield in a decent performance, but was booked for a foul.
Alexis Mac Allister - 8.5/10
Mac Allister was the player of the match for this game as he scored a goal with a lovely low finish. He also played two key passes, won two duels and made one clearance and one block.
Mohamed Salah - 7/10
Salah had a good game overall but his penalty miss left a blip on what was a good outing for the Egyptian.
Luis Diaz - 6/10
Diaz failed to make an impact on the proeedings as he was not involved enough with his team's moves.
Darwin Nunez - 6.5/10
Nunez started the match but could not make an impact on the proceedings. He attempted two tame shots on target and won two duels, and was also booked.
Substitutes
Cody Gakpo - 7.5/10
He came on and scored a lovely header from Robertson's assist. Gakpo also played one key pass and won both his duels.
Dominik Szoboszlai & Joe Gomez - N/A
The pair played less than 10 minutes apiece and hence do not warrant a rating.