Champions League: Mac Allister Header seals Liverpool victory over Real Madrid

Alexis Mac Allister’s second-half header proved decisive as Liverpool secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Real Madrid at Anfield. The Argentine midfielder connected perfectly with Dominik Szoboszlai’s 63rd-minute delivery to break the deadlock in a match dominated by goalkeeping heroics.

Real Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois had previously maintained his personal duel with Szoboszlai, making crucial saves against the Hungarian international throughout the first half.

The Belgian goalkeeper continued his resistance after the break, denying Virgil van Dijk and Hugo Ekitike before finally being beaten by Mac Allister’s precise header.

The match featured a controversial VAR review when Szoboszlai’s first-half shot struck Aurélien Tchouaméni’s arm, but the penalty appeal was dismissed after referee consultation.

Despite late pressure from the visitors, including a Kylian Mbappé chance that drifted wide, Liverpool’s defense held firm to register consecutive clean sheets.

This victory marks Liverpool’s second straight win after recent struggles, lifting them to nine points in the Champions’ League group stage.

For manager Arne Slot, the performance demonstrated a return to the form that made last season’s Premier League champions so formidable, with summer signing Florian Wirtz making a positive impact in his first start.