Liverpool Beats Real 1-0 Amid Alexander-Arnold Boos
Liverpool secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Real Madrid in the Champions League league phase on Tuesday night at Anfield, with former Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois making several standout saves before Alexis Mac Allister's second-half header proved decisive. The match marked Trent Alexander-Arnold's first return to his boyhood club's stadium since departing for Real Madrid on a free transfer in the summer, where he was met with boos from sections of the home crowd upon entering as a substitute in the 81st minute.
Liverpool dominated possession and created numerous chances, controlling the midfield through Dominik Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, and Ryan Gravenberch. Courtois denied Szoboszlai twice before halftime and later tipped over headers from Virgil van Dijk and Hugo Ekitike, keeping the score level until the 65th minute. Szoboszlai's free kick, awarded after Jude Bellingham fouled Gravenberch, found Mac Allister unmarked in the box for a powerful header that sealed the win. Video assistant referee checks confirmed the goal was not offside, and Liverpool held firm despite Real Madrid's late push, including Alexander-Arnold's introduction for Arda Guler.