Liverpool outclass Real Madrid to lay down gauntlet to rest of Europe

Liverpool remain perfect in the Champions League after a dominant win over Real Madrid at Anfield.

Alexis Mac Allister scored at the end of a brilliant second-half move to give his side a deserved lead. The visitors had a golden opportunity to equalize from the penalty spot, but Kylian Mbappé failed to convert.

Mohamed Salah then had his own chance from the spot, but somehow thundered wide of the goal via the post. Liverpool eventually doubled their lead through substitute Cody Gakpo as he nodded home.

Liverpool are at the top of the table after five wins from as many European matches, while Real Madrid are in a vulnerable position. See all the talking points from Anfield.

The reigning European champions could have fallen behind just a few minutes after the match. Darwin Nunez raced into the box and unleashed a small effort that Thibaut Courtois just managed to parry.

The ball bounced to youngster Raúl Asencio, who struggled to get his feet in the right place as the ball bounced off him towards goal. Fortunately, the youngster just managed to race back and take him off the line.

Asencio then went toe-to-toe with Nunez as he appeared to run away. The young Real man defeated his opponent in an impressive debut.

Liverpool must be tired of the sight of Belgian goalkeeper Courtois. The former Chelsea star put on an absolute masterclass when the two teams met in the 2022 Champions League final.

And this time it was the same as he produced some impressive saves. He denied Nunez a few times before saving from Conor Bradley.

In total he produced four saves in another standout performance. Despite his heroics, Courtois could not avoid defeat.

Liverpool dominated large parts of the match against the Spanish giants, but all they missed was a goal. And that ultimately came through Argentinian midfielder Mac Allister, who completed a brilliant move.

The Argentinian played an excellent two-one with Bradley as he danced into the penalty area and then sent a low finish into the far corner. Surprisingly, it was only Mac Allister's second goal this season, both in the Champions League.

Such form will certainly help the Reds as they aim to lift their seventh European crown under Slot.

It really hasn't been the best start to life at Real Madrid for Kylian Mbappé. Despite scoring nine goals for the season, the Frenchman appears somewhat uncomfortable at the Bernabeu amid claims he is being played out of position by Carlo Ancelotti.

He had the perfect opportunity to at least get on the scoresheet at Anfield when Real were awarded a penalty. After conceding a penalty against Southampton, Andrew Robertson did the same against the Spanish side by tripping Lucas Vazquez.

Mbappe stepped up, but his weak penalty was parried away by Caoimhin Kelleher.

Mbappe's failure to convert gave Salah the chance to show his counterpart how it was done after a sublime display of skill. The Egyptian wideman raced down the right and cut inside Ferland Mendy.

The Frenchman was tied up when he stuck out a foot and brought down Salah. Salah was predictably the man to step up, but surprisingly missed.

Salah kicked the floor before taking his kick and shot the ball wide of the goal. Maybe keep that new contract, Liverpool.

Salah may have been frustrated from twelve yards, but Gakpo was not allowed to make a single mistake from even closer to goal. The Dutchman was introduced in the second half and doubled the lead with a header from close range.

A clever corner between Robertson and Curtis Jones allowed the former to produce a teasing cross into the box. Gakpo jumped up unchallenged and nodded into the bottom corner.

There was a brief check for offside, but the goal was awarded, allowing Liverpool to celebrate a historic victory.