Liverpool manager Arne Slot praised both the quality of the opposition and the energy of the Anfield crowd for inspiring his team’s memorable Champions League win. The Reds handed LaLiga leaders Real Madrid their first defeat of the season in Europe’s top competition, showcasing determination and tactical discipline.
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“Impressive because we played against an incredible side, a team that’s been on an unbelievable run of form,” Slot said after the match. “If you can win against them and perform how we have, that’s very positive.”
Mac Allister’s decisive goal came in the second half, as Liverpool battled through a physically demanding encounter against a star-studded Madrid lineup. Slot admitted the past few weeks had been challenging due to a congested schedule but credited the home fans for lifting the team. “It helps if you can play in front of these fans. They bring the best out of my players and out of our fans. A great performance — it could have been a bit more maybe,” he added.
The Dutch manager was particularly pleased with his team’s defensive resilience, which kept Real’s attacking duo Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior quiet throughout the game. “They have scored 26 goals in LaLiga, and Mbappe and Vinicius together have 24 goal contributions. If you want to win this game, you have to make sure that these two are not on the scoresheet,” Slot explained.
He singled out 22-year-old right back Conor Bradley for his exceptional display. “Conor was outstanding. To be up against Vinicius so many times one-on-one is not for everyone. He did outstanding today,” Slot said with pride.
The win marked Liverpool’s second consecutive victory following their 2-0 Premier League success over Aston Villa, ending a poor run of results that had seen them lose four straight league matches and six of their previous seven games in all competitions.
“We had a very bad run of form in terms of results. No excuse can make up for that,” Slot admitted. “But we had to play a lot of games in a short time. Tonight, both teams had just two days of rest, so playing at home helped. The fans gave us that extra edge.”
Liverpool’s performance against Real Madrid not only boosted confidence but also showcased the team’s adaptability under Slot’s leadership. With improved energy, sharper defending, and the Anfield crowd roaring them on, the Reds looked closer to the level that once made them Europe’s most feared side.
As the Champions League campaign progresses, this victory serves as a major statement — proof that Liverpool, even through fatigue and tough fixtures, remain capable of beating the best in Europe when inspired by their fans and driven by belief.
