On November 5, 2025, Liverpool ended Real Madrid's perfect Champions League run with a 1-0 victory at Anfield. The match was a testament to Liverpool's resilience and tactical prowess, as they dominated the game despite the absence of key players. Alexis Mac Allister's header in the 61st minute proved to be the game-winning goal, capping a dominant performance by the Reds.
The match was a contrast to their previous encounter, where Real Madrid's full strength lineup dominated a depleted Liverpool side. This time, Real Madrid struggled to break through Liverpool's defense, with goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois making crucial saves. The game's pivotal moment came in the first half when a free kick was awarded for a handball, but VAR ruled it out, sparking a renewed effort from Liverpool.
The match also saw the return of Trent Alexander-Arnold, who was booed by the home crowd. His replacement, Conor Bradley, played a crucial role in preventing Real Madrid's attacks. Despite Real's attacking resources, Courtois' individual performance in the 2022 final haunted Liverpool, as he made two crucial saves from Dominik Szoboszlai. The match ended with Liverpool in sixth place, level on points with Madrid, who failed to score for the first time this season.
The game's atmosphere was charged with emotion, with a mural of England international Steven Gerrard being vandalized with paint. However, the main focus remained on the pitch, where Liverpool's victory was a significant step towards their Champions League ambitions.
