Overview
- Alexis Mac Allister’s 61st‑minute header settled a tense night at Anfield.
- Thibaut Courtois kept the visitors in contention with a string of impressive saves, including stops from Dominik Szoboszlai and Virgil van Dijk.
- Conor Bradley contained Vinícius Júnior throughout and drew strong praise from Arne Slot, strengthening his claim to the right‑back role with Jeremie Frimpong injured.
- Trent Alexander-Arnold was loudly booed on his late return after a pre‑match vandalism of his mural, and Slot consoled him with a post‑game embrace.
- Pundits criticised Vinícius for an apparent first‑half dive, and Spanish media delivered harsh player ratings for Madrid, singling out several stars.