Liverpool stay perfect in Champions League after statement Real Madrid win, but Arne Slot isn’t getting carried away

A delighted Arne Slot “liked what he saw” when he watched Liverpool beat reigning European champions Real Madrid 2-0 at Anfield in the Champions League on Wednesday, but he was quick to play down the significance of the result with so much competition remaining.

“I really liked what I saw,” he said. “Of course not everything. I think we controlled the first half by creating a few chances, but I also thought we were still a bit sloppy. And I said: 'try to be even more patient, let the gaps open instead of forcing them.” '.”

After seven defeats and a draw – including losses in the 2018 and 2022 finals – the Reds achieved their first success over their European nemesis since 2009 with goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo.

Liverpool top the Champions League with five wins from five and are on the verge of securing a place in the last 16, although Slot tempered the win by saying it would mean a lot more if it came in the knockout stages.

“I wouldn't say it's the same as any other, because you know how special it is to play against a club that has won the Champions League so many times and is also the reigning champion. **Also for Liverpool,” he told TNT Sports.

In his post-match press conference, Slot added: “I think it's always good to win a match and especially in a big match like this you know you're going to face so many quality players.

“This is such a strange and different set-up in the Champions League that it is difficult to judge how important these wins are.

“If we meet them in the last 16 and can beat them, that would be a bigger statement.”

Analysis: Liverpool continues to pass the tests

Sky Sports' Adam Bate:

At the start of the season, Slot himself had preached that caution was needed over Liverpool's positive start, let alone the more skeptical observers.

The competition calendar was known until mid-October. There would be bigger tests, it was said.

Liverpool beat Chelsea. They went to Arsenal and avoided defeat. In Europe there was the 4-0 dismantling of Bayer Leverkusen and now holders Real Madrid are also being sent packing.

Another test passed. There's another one coming. But what an opportunity it is for Slot's team this Sunday against Pep Guardiola's failed Manchester City.

Two points ahead of the top position in the Champions League. Eleven points clear of City at the top of the Premier League if they win this weekend.

They look like the best team in England. On this evidence they could also be the best team in Europe.

Bellingham: Liverpool wanted more

Jude Bellingham of Real Madrid said:

“They were more into it than us, to be honest, which is very disappointing to say.

“It's a bad result against the best performing team in Europe. There's no shame in coming here and losing, but we're disappointed with the way we performed.”