Liverpool fans have taken to social media to heap praise on Alexis Mac Allister following his performance against Real Madrid in the Champions League on Wednesday, November 27. The Argentine midfielder hit the ball out of the park on the night as the Reds cruised to a 2-0 victory at Anfield.
Going into the match, Real Madrid were without some of their key players, which included their talisman Vinicius Jr. So, getting a result against an in-form Liverpool would obviously not be an easy task. As expected, Arne Slot’s men took full advantage of Los Blancos' injury-infested squad as they dictated proceedings from the onset. The first half, however, ended in a goalless stalemate.
The home side continued mounting the pressure after the restart, and their efforts paid off in the 52nd minute. Mac Allister combined with Conor Bradley at the edge of Real Madrid’s box, which the former coolly slotted home. Both sides missed a penalty midway through the second half, courtesy of Kylian Mbappe and Mohamed Salah.
The Reds closed out the match in the 76th minute as Cody Gakpo headed home a cross from Andy Robertson following a short corner.
Alexis Mac Allister was outstanding for Liverpool on the night. The midfielder had 73 touches, registered 92% accurate passes (54/59), created two big chances and made two key passess. He had the highest rating (8.7) between both sides per Sofascore and was, unsurpsisingly, named Man of the Match.
Fans reacted to the Argentine's stellar performance on X, with one writing:
''Mac Allister cost us £35 million British pounds. Bargain of the f***ng century.''
Another tweeted;
''I'll never understand people who don't rate mac allister."
''Losing out on Jude for Mac Allister and Gravenberch was a blessing in disguise,'' @SamueILFC chimed in.
''Curtis Jones, what a player Alexis Mac Allister, midfield Maestro," @Stancerous_wrote.
@SofascoreINT pointed out his stats:
''Mac Allister truly played like a world cup winner tonight absolutely phenomenal," Sid14_opined.
Liverpool boss Arne Slot hails 'special' win against Real Madrid
Liverpool's victory over Real Madrid in the Champions League on Wednesday night was their first since 2009, ending an eight-game winless run. In the previous eight meetings between the sides, Real Madrid had won seven and drawn one.
Following the match, Arne Slot noted how Los Blancos have been a thorn in Liverpool's flesh for a long time. He told TNT Sports:
‘’I wouldn’t say it’s the same as any other one because you know how special it is to ply against the cub that played the Champions League so many times. And are the reigning champions as well. Dominated Europe for a last few years. They were a pain in the a** for Liverpool many times as well! So, we knew it was a big week, but I said if this week is over next week is a big week again. We have Newcastle and Everton. But I think it’s not only the result but also the way we play this. Yeah, that’s just pleasing the to see."
Liverpool will return to Premier League action against a struggling Manchester City on Sunday, December 1, while Real Madrid will square off against Getafe in LaLiga on the same day.