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Liverpool beat Real Madrid 1-0 this Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at Anfield, in the fourth round of the 2025/26 Champions League league phase. Alexis Mac Allister’s header, 15 minutes into the second half, ended the Spanish team’s unbeaten run in the competition. The match, marked by great saves from goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, placed the Reds in sixth place, with nine points, tied with Real Madrid, who remain in fifth on goal difference. The game reinforced the historic rivalry between the clubs, with Liverpool recovering from an irregular moment in the season.
The team led by Arne Slot dominated the offensive actions, while Real Madrid, led by Xabi Alonso, struggled to create chances. The result leaves Bayern Munich and Arsenal as the only undefeated teams in the competition.
- Game highlights: Mac Allister scored the decisive goal; Courtois made at least five difficult saves.
- Impact on the table: Liverpool and Real Madrid now have nine points, but the Spanish lead on goal difference.
- Upcoming games: Liverpool face PSV, and Real Madrid visit Olympiacos on November 26th.
Balanced first half
The first half at Anfield was marked by tactical balance and solid defenses. Liverpool created more chances, but missed Courtois, who made three important saves, including a finish from Szoboszlai from the penalty spot.
Real Madrid, with difficulties inmidfield, had a clear chance with Bellingham, neutralized by Mamardashvili.
Pressure from the Reds in the second half
The final stage began with Liverpool intensifying the pressure. Van Dijk and Ekitiké tested Courtois with dangerous headers, but the Belgian goalkeeper held the score to zero until the 15th minute.
Mac Allister, after a precise free kick from Szoboszlai, scored the winning goal. Real Madrid tried to react with substitutions, but were unable to break through the English defense.
The game had tense moments, with five yellow cards distributed, including to Vini Jr. and Xabi Alonso.
Courtois performance highlighted
Despite the defeat, Thibaut Courtois was Real Madrid’s big name. The goalkeeper made at least five difficult saves, including a point-blank header from Van Dijk.
His interventions kept the score tight, avoiding a more elastic defeat. The performance reinforces his importance for the merengue team.
Courtois couldn’t help butMac Allister’s goal, but his performance was praised by analysts.
Historic rivalry gains new chapter
Liverpool and Real Madrid have a history of intense clashes, with Champions League finals in 2018 and 2022 won by the Spanish. The Reds’ victory at Anfield adds a new chapter to this rivalry.
The result gives confidence to Liverpool, who were coming off an unstable run in the Premier League, while Real Madrid are looking for adjustments to maintain their pace in the competition.
Liverpool moves up the table
With the victory, Liverpool reached sixth place in the league stage, with nine points from four games. Real Madrid, despite the defeat, remains in fifth, benefiting from the goal difference (6 to 5).
The Champions League phase remains competitive, with Bayern and Arsenal in the lead, both with 100% success. Inter Milan, who play this Wednesday, can equal the leaders’ score.
Liverpool is now preparing to face PSV, while Real Madrid faces Olympiacos, both on November 26th, looking for recovery.
Embezzlement and strategies
Liverpool played without Alisson, Frimpong, Leoni, Bajcetic and Isak, all injured, but Slot managed to maintain tactical consistency. Salah and Van Dijk were key players in the victory.
Real Madrid, without Rüdiger, Alaba and Carvajal, had difficulties creating offense. Mbappé, Champions League top scorer with fivegoals, produced little in the game.
Xabi Alonso made substitutions, such as Rodrygo and Brahim Díaz, but was unable to change the outlook of the game.
