Liverpool's Conor Bradley challenges Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe in a Champions League match at Anfield on Wednesday, November 27, 2024. The game, held in Liverpool, England, saw Bradley making a crucial tackle on the French star. (AP Photo/Jon Super)
Liverpool’s stellar performance in the Champions League has left fans in awe as they handed defending champions Real Madrid a humbling 2-0 defeat at Anfield on Wednesday. The win secures Liverpool’s position at the top of the standings, making them the only team to win all five games in the new league format. Meanwhile, Madrid has shockingly slipped to 24th place in the 36-team competition, barely hanging on with just three matches left.
Kylian Mbappé, one of Madrid’s most celebrated signings, had a night to forget. The French star saw his penalty saved in the second half and became the subject of a viral moment when Liverpool’s Conor Bradley executed a brilliant tackle, leaving Mbappé flat on the ground.
Liverpool’s triumph was further solidified by goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo. Bradley, standing in for Trent Alexander-Arnold, shone with his defensive skills and attacking contributions. Coach Arne Slot praised the team’s effort, which now places them two points ahead of Inter Milan, with Barcelona trailing in third.
Madrid, on the other hand, is dangerously close to elimination. With only three games left, they must climb into the top eight to secure a direct spot in the round of 16. A tough away game against Atalanta on December 10 looms large for the 15-time European champions, who have already lost three of their five group matches.
Dramatic Wins and Standout Performances
Borussia Dortmund moved up to fourth after a convincing 3-0 victory over Dinamo Zagreb. Jamie Gittens, with a stunning goal, continues to shine in this season’s Champions League. Meanwhile, Monaco squandered a golden opportunity to climb higher, losing 3-2 to Benfica despite leading for much of the match.
One of the night’s most thrilling comebacks unfolded at PSV Eindhoven. Trailing Shakhtar Donetsk 2-0 with just minutes to spare, PSV roared back to win 3-2, thanks to Ricardo Pepi’s last-gasp strike.
Elsewhere, Red Star Belgrade celebrated their first win by routing Stuttgart 5-1, with on-loan player Silas scoring against his parent club but keeping his celebration muted. Austrian side Sturm Graz also claimed their maiden victory, edging Girona 1-0.
Celtic, however, had a night to forget after an embarrassing own goal by Cameron Carter-Vickers handed Club Brugge a 1-1 draw. Goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel lamented the mix-up, calling it an unfortunate miscommunication.
Liverpool’s Rising Momentum
Liverpool’s journey looks unstoppable, with their next match against Girona, a team languishing in 30th place. Slot’s team has not only avenged past defeats by Madrid but is also cementing their status as one of Europe’s finest under his leadership.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid must regroup and refocus if they hope to salvage their campaign. Coach Carlo Ancelotti acknowledged the uphill battle but remains determined to fight for a spot in the playoffs.
