On November 5, 2025, Liverpool secured a 1-0 victory over Real Madrid, ending the latter's flawless Champions League record. The match, played at Anfield, saw Liverpool's Alexis Mac Allister score the winning goal in the 61st minute, a header from a free kick. This triumph marked Liverpool's first back-to-back wins since late September, propelling them to sixth place in the table and level on points with Madrid, who failed to score for the first time this season. The game was a stark contrast to their previous encounter, where a depleted Madrid side was dominated by Liverpool at Anfield a year ago. This time, Real Madrid's starting lineup was almost full-strength, with key players like Alexander Isak, Alisson Becker, and Jeremie Frimpong absent. The match was also notable for the return of Trent Alexander-Arnold, whose name was booed throughout the game. The evening's atmosphere was tense, with a mural of England international Steven Gerrard, who had left the club, being vandalized with paint. However, the main focus was on the pitch, where Liverpool's performance and attitude were exceptional. The game's pivotal moment came in the first half when a free kick was awarded for a handball by Aurélien Tchouaméni, which VAR ruled out. Liverpool's relentless efforts paid off when Mac Allister headed in Dominik Szoboszlai's free kick. Despite Real Madrid's attacking prowess, Courtois, the goalkeeper, made crucial saves, including a point-blank leg save from Szoboszlai. The match also saw the emergence of young players like Jude Bellingham, who became the youngest player to make 50 Champions League appearances at 22 years old. The game ended with a controversial moment as Alexander-Arnold's arrival on the pitch sparked a cacophony of jeers, and the singing of Gerrard's name in the directors' box was a pointed dig at his departure. The match ended with Liverpool's victory, a testament to their resilience and determination, and a significant step in their Champions League campaign.
