Liverpool 1-0 Real Madrid PLAYER RATINGS

Liverpool once again got one over on Real Madrid at Anfield on Tuesday night, suggesting that the Reds may well have turned a corner after their disastrous run.

Alexis Mac Allister’s goal was the difference, but it could have been more than 1-0 if it were not for a fantastic performance from Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. 

Daily Mail Sport‘s LEWIS STEELE was at Anfield to run the rule over both sides’ players…

LIVERPOOL (4-2-3-1)

Giorgi Mamardashvili – 7

Not as busy of a night as he may have expected but the Georgian stopped everything thrown in his direction.

Conor Bradley – 9

A coming-of-age performance. Bullied Vinicius Junior, one of the best players in the world, and played some terrific balls going forward. Now he must find this level on a consistent basis.

Ibrahima Konate – 7

Relished the battle against his good mate Kylian Mbappe. Made some vital interceptions.

Virgil van Dijk – 7.5

The captain seemed to play with a smile on his face. Kept Mbappe and Jude Bellingham quiet.

Andy Robertson – 8

The experienced Scotsman proved once more why he must be the starting left back and not Milos Kerkez, who has struggled since joining the club. Made some crucial interventions late in the game.

Ryan Gravenberch – 7.5

So silky in possession as per usual. The Dutchman is a classy midfielder fit for Real Madrid – but he won’t be going anywhere, don’t worry.

Alexis Mac Allister – 8

The World Cup winner has now scored against Real Madrid for two seasons running, which is not a bad record to have. After a slow start to the season, the Argentine is looking back to his best.

Mohamed Salah – 7

Perhaps the quietest of the attackers on the pitch for the Reds but still put in a pleasing display. Held the ball up well in the second half.

Dominik Szoboszlai – 9 (MOTM)

Simply sensational. The Hungary captain has been Liverpool’s player of the season and this was an all-action display. Could have scored a couple but for Courtois. Assist for Mac Allister was inch-perfect.

Florian Wirtz – 8

The only change from the win over Aston Villa on Saturday and the German was excellent. He caused problems off the left and popped up all over in dangerous areas. Has had a slow start to life in England but Wirtz has dazzled in this competition.

Hugo Ekitike – 7.5

Unlucky not to score. Led the line well with strong hold-up play, he dropped deep to help the build-up and was always a passing option.

Substitutes

Curtis Jones (for Mac Allister, 78)

Cody Gakpo (for Ekitike, 79)

Milos Kerkez (for Robertson, 88)

Federico Chiesa (for Wirtz, 88)

Not used: Freddie Woodman, Kornel Misciur, Joe Gomez, Wataru Endo, Rio Ngumoha.

Manager

Arne Slot – 8

Got his line-up spot on and has now beaten Real Madrid in back-to-back seasons.

REAL MADRID (4-4-2)

Thibaut Courtois – 8

Proved why he is one of the best goalkeepers in the game with save after save after save, the pick of the bunch being to deny Szoboszlai in the first half.

Federico Valverde – 5.5

Undoubtedly a talented midfielder but the Uruguay international, captain while Dani Carvajal is absent, struggled at right back up against the unpredictable Wirtz.

Eder Militao – 5

Liverpool would have scored several more goals if it was not for Courtois – and the back four did not do enough to cover their goalkeeper.

Dean Huijsen – 6

Booked for a rash tackle on Ekitike and, despite having some nice moments on the ball, all Real defenders struggled with Liverpool’s attackers.

Alvaro Carreras – 5.5

The one that got away for Manchester United (who spent a year on loan at Preston North End) based on his early-season performances – but tonight was not one of them.

Eduardo Camavinga – 6

Played on the right of a 4-4-2 shape and put in a good shift with lots of running but could not impact the game in an attacking sense.

Arda Guler – 6

Ran around a lot and tried to calm things down for the away side when they had possession but the Turkey international could not contribute too much going forward.

Aurelien Tchouameni – 5.5

Had a lot on his hands but Gravenberch, Szoboszlai and Mac Allister had the better of Madrid’s midfield. Would have been wrong if he was penalised for handball.

Vinicius Junior – 4

Booked for a tug on Bradley and then could have been sent off for a dive. Supposed to be one of the world’s best but no evidence of that here. Booked.

Jude Bellingham – 4.5

He was the second best Englishman on the pitch – and Curtis Jones only played a brief cameo at the end. Did nothing of note. Booked.

Kylian Mbappe – 6

Came the closest of any Real player when he sent a shot just wide of Mamardashvili’s left post but was largely ineffective.

Substitutes

Rodrygo (for Camavinga, 69) – 6

Trent Alexander-Arnold (for Guler, 81)

Brahim Diaz (for Valverde, 90)

Not used: Fran, Andriy Lunin, Raul Asencio, Dani Ceballos, Endrick, Fran Garcia, Gonzalo Garcia, Ferland Mendy.

Manager

Xabi Alonso – 6

No exaggeration to say his team could have lost 3 or 4-0 if not for his goalkeeper. Booked.

Referee

Istvan Kovacs (Romania) – 7

Spot on to not give in to pressure and award a penalty when Tchouameni handled – the Frenchman could not move his arm out of the way.