After a goalless first half at Anfield – where Liverpool dominated – the setbacks came in a row for Real Madrid.
First, Alexis Mac Allister played a one-two with Northern Irishman Conor Bradley before the Argentine could slam in 1–0 behind Thibaut Courtois in the away goal in the 52nd minute.
Mbappé missed penalty
Madrid already had Brazilian Vinicius Júnior on a long injury list – shortly after the home team's lead, Eduardo Camavinga was forced to break the match.
Superstar Kylian Mbappé had to leave three straight Champions League matches goalless, but now got the chance to break the goal drought from the penalty spot. However, the Frenchman's penalty was weak and Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher could save.
Instead, Liverpool got a golden opportunity to settle the stormy match. Attack star Mohamed Salah turned inside and out on Ferland Mendy, who eventually tripped the Egyptian. Salah took care of the penalty himself, but shot it hard into the outside of the post.
Liverpool's extension came, however, in the 77th minute when Cody Gapko, ten minutes after his substitution, nodded in 2–0.
Meets City on Sunday
Liverpool is alone in taking full points in the Champions League group stage. Reigning champion Real Madrid has three losses and only two wins, which means the giant club is in 24th place in the table (out of 36 teams) with three rounds remaining.
Coach Arne Slot took over Liverpool before the season and his team dominates even at home in the Premier League, which the team leads with a full eight points after twelve rounds.
On Sunday, second-placed and reigning Premier League champion Manchester City awaits, who will come to Anfield with six straight matches (including five losses) without a win.
