Liverpool delivered a masterclass at Anfield on Tuesday night, overpowering Real Madrid in a performance that signaled a full return to their ruthless best in the Champions League.

Arne Slot’s men, who recently ended a poor run of six defeats in seven matches with a hard-fought win against Aston Villa, looked fully rejuvenated as they dismantled the Spanish giants in front of their home supporters.

Mac Allister breaks the deadlock

Despite Liverpool’s first-half dominance, Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois kept the visitors in the game with a series of superb saves.

The Belgian denied Dominik Szoboszlai on multiple occasions and produced a remarkable reflex stop from Virgil van Dijk’s header.

The breakthrough finally came in the 61st minute when Alexis Mac Allister found space in the box to nod home Szoboszlai’s well-delivered free-kick, leaving Courtois helpless and sending the Kop into raptures.

Real Madrid fall short

Real’s key men, Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe, were effectively neutralized by Liverpool’s high press and physical dominance in midfield. Arne Slot’s tactical discipline ensured the Spanish side never settled into rhythm.

Former Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold, now with Real Madrid, was introduced late in the game but received a hostile reception from fans who once idolized him.

His brief cameo did little to alter the outcome as Real remained second best until the final whistle.