Overview
- Arne Slot confirmed Florian Wirtz started on the left in place of Cody Gakpo, and Liverpool beat Real Madrid 1-0 at Anfield through an Alexis Mac Allister header for a second straight win.
- Wirtz delivered his most effective Liverpool display, creating a match‑high five chances and coupling inventive play with diligent defensive work.
- Dominik Szoboszlai, used as the advanced playmaker, praised Wirtz’s running and pressing after the match and even apologised for not finishing a chance Wirtz created.
- Arsène Wenger claimed Liverpool had "destroyed their midfield" by trying to use Wirtz centrally and argued the wide role protects the Gravenberch–Mac Allister–Szoboszlai axis.
- Slot said the 22‑year‑old is adapting to the Premier League’s demands and has been unlucky not to register goal contributions, with his left‑side deployment now a key selection call before the trip to Manchester City.