Liverpool remain perfect in Europe as Madrid misery continues

LIVERPOOL, England — Liverpool maintained their perfect start to the UEFA Champions League with a 2-0 win against Real Madrid on Wednesday that leaves the reigning European champions in danger of missing out qualification for the knockout stages.

Second-half goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo at Anfield sealed Liverpool’s fifth successive Champions League victory and moved Arne Slot’s team two points clear at the top of the table. It was the Reds’ first win against Los Blancos in the Champions League since March 3, 2009, ending an eight-game winless streak against the Spanish capital club (a span that included seven losses).

But Real, who won the Champions League for a record 15th time against Borussia Dortmund at Wembley last season, have now lost three of five games so far and sit in 24th position — the final qualification spot for February’s playoff stage.

Kylian Mbappé had the chance to equalise for Madrid when he had a penalty saved by Liverpool keeper Caoimhín Kelleher while the scoreline was 1-0 to the home side. The penalty drama also affected Liverpool, with Mohamed Salah sending his spot kick wide on 70 minutes.

Source: ESPN