27th November, 2024
By Kazeem Ugbodaga
Liverpool produced a commanding performance on Wednesday night, defeating defending champions Real Madrid 2-0 at Anfield to solidify their position atop the Champions League table.
The Reds started aggressively, with Darwin Núñez testing Thibaut Courtois in the 4th minute. The Madrid goalkeeper showcased his class, making a superb save to deny Núñez’s low drive destined for the bottom right corner.
Courtois continued his heroics in the 23rd minute, thwarting another chance from Núñez, who pounced on a rebound inside the box but failed to beat the Belgian shot-stopper.
Liverpool’s relentless pressure persisted, and Núñez came close again in the 33rd minute with a glancing header that narrowly missed the left post. Despite their dominance, the first half ended goalless.
The second half brought heightened drama. In the 49th minute, Mohamed Salah’s penalty appeal was waved away by referee François Letexier, despite protests from Liverpool players.
Moments later, Liverpool broke the deadlock. In the 52nd minute, Conor Bradley delivered a precise pass to Alexis Mac Allister, who coolly slotted the ball into the bottom left corner, giving Liverpool a 1-0 lead.
Madrid had a golden opportunity to equalise in the 60th minute when they were awarded a penalty after Andrew Robertson’s foul. Kylian Mbappé stepped up, but Caoimhín Kelleher made a sensational save, diving to his right to deny the Frenchman.
Liverpool had their own chance to double the lead from the spot in the 70th minute after Ferland Mendy’s foul inside the box. However, Salah’s penalty struck the left post, keeping the scoreline intact.
Cody Gakpo sealed the victory in the 77th minute. The Dutch forward connected with Andrew Robertson’s lofted pass and beat Courtois with a well-placed header into the right side of the net, making it 2-0.
Madrid pressed in the final minutes, but Kelleher was outstanding, making crucial saves to deny Lucas Vázquez and Brahim Díaz in stoppage time.
Liverpool’s dominance, coupled with stellar goalkeeping, ensured their victory and maintained their unblemished Champions League campaign.
The win not only reaffirmed their top-table status but also showcased their intent to reclaim European glory.
