Kylian Mbappé was silent as Real Madrid fell 0-1 to hosts Liverpool in their Champions League Group Stage Matchday 4 clash.
A lone goal from midfielder Alexis Mac Allister in the second half sent Liverpool into the Champions League Top 8, while snapping Real’s three-game winning streak. It was also Liverpool’s second straight victory over Real at Anfield, with the Spanish giants failing to score in both encounters.
Midfielder Mac Allister (right) celebrates his goal for Liverpool against Real Madrid at Anfield, Liverpool, UK, during the Champions League on November 4, 2025. Photo: Reuters
Liverpool dominated the first half but couldn’t beat goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who produced four brilliant saves — including a crucial foot stop against Dominik Szoboszlai in a one-on-one situation.
There was also controversy in the first half when Szoboszlai’s long-range shot struck Aurelien Tchouameni’s hand inside the box. Referee Istvan Kovacs initially awarded a free-kick to Liverpool. After a VAR review confirmed that Tchouameni had blocked the ball with his hand inside the area, Kovacs was called to the monitor to review the incident for a possible penalty.
However, the Romanian referee decided against awarding a penalty — and even canceled the free-kick — dropping the ball for Real instead, ruling that Tchouameni’s arm position was “natural.”
On Prime Video, former referee Mark Clattenburg disagreed with the call, and former striker Alan Shearer also sided with him, saying the French midfielder’s arm position was “unnatural” and should’ve resulted in a penalty.
In the second half, Courtois continued his heroic performance but was finally beaten from a set piece. In the 61st minute, Szoboszlai delivered a perfect cross from the right, allowing Mac Allister to head home from close range — scoring his first goal of the season after a stretch of underwhelming performances.
Mac Allister’s goal vs. Real Madrid.
Real Madrid managed only two shots on target all match and posed little threat to Liverpool’s defense. Defender Trent Alexander-Arnold, facing his former club, came on for the final ten minutes but was booed relentlessly by the Anfield crowd every time he touched the ball. Like Vinicius Junior and Mbappé, the English full-back failed to make an impact against a well-organized and aggressive Liverpool side.
Liverpool are showing signs of revival with back-to-back wins. Next, they will face Manchester City away on November 9 in Premier League Matchweek 11, while Real Madrid visit Rayo Vallecano the same day in La Liga Matchweek 12.