By Tahmid Habib

Alexis Mac Allister's second-half header secured Liverpool's victory as Arne Slot's side overcame Xabi Alonso's Real Madrid at Anfield on Tuesday evening.

Conor Bradley delivered an outstanding performance at right-back, nullifying Real Madrid's attacking threats and providing an assist for the decisive goal. The match saw moments of high drama, with Jude Bellingham receiving a yellow card for a strong tackle, but it was Liverpool who dominated proceedings to claim a vital three points in their quest for Champions League qualification.

Story of The Match

Liverpool made several changes from their previous fixture, with Giorgi Mamardashvili starting in goal, and Conor Bradley, Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk and Andrew Robertson forming the back four. In midfield, Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister sat deep, while Mohamed Salah, Dominik Szoboszlai and Florian Wirtz supported Hugo Ekitike up front.

Real Madrid lined up with Thibaut Courtois in goal, Federico Valverde, Eder Militao, Dean Huijsen and Alvaro Carreras across the back. Arda Guler, Eduardo Camavinga, Aurelien Tchouameni and Vinicius Junior operated in midfield, with Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe leading the attack 

The first half proved to be an even contest between two European heavyweights. Both teams attacked and looked to score but proved ineffective when it came to finishing their moves despite getting close to the opponent's goal. Arda Guler of Real Madrid shot high and over the goal after striking with his left foot from outside the box, while Dominik Szoboszlai fired a powerful shot that Thibaut Courtois saved with relative ease.

There was controversy when Aurelien Tchouameni was initially whistled for a handball, and a VAR check showed that the ball struck Tchouameni's arm in the box, but the referee ultimately deemed that the Frenchman's arm was not in an unnatural position.

The second half saw Liverpool assert their dominance. Florian Wirtz took the ball from Dean Huijsen and went on the attack, passing to Dominik Szoboszlai, who gave it to Alexis Mac Allister, though that move broke down.

The breakthrough finally arrived in the 61st minute. Dominik Szoboszlai delivered a great free-kick with his right foot, and Alexis Mac Allister, the shortest player on the pitch, headed home past Thibaut Courtois. The Anfield crowd erupted as the Reds took a deserved lead.

Real Madrid attempted to respond, with Vinicius Jr getting his first chance to take on Liverpool's defence, but his pass wasn't the best and he ended up giving it away, with Alexis Mac Allister clearing the danger as Jude Bellingham lurked.

Liverpool made tactical substitutions late in the game, with Cody Gakpo coming on to replace Hugo Ekitike and Curtis Jones entering the field to replace Alexis Mac Allister, the goal scorer. In a controversial moment, Real Madrid brought on former Liverpool player Trent Alexander-Arnold to replace Arda Guler, with the entire stadium booing the substitution.

Despite Real Madrid's efforts to find an equaliser, Liverpool held firm to secure all three points.

Player of The Match

Conor Bradley - 9/10

The Northern Ireland international was nothing short of sensational at Anfield. Bradley's defensive work was exemplary, constantly tracking back to deny Real Madrid's attackers any space down Liverpool's right flank. His positioning was impeccable throughout, and he showed remarkable maturity in his decision-making. Going forward, Bradley was equally impressive, providing width and overlapping runs that stretched Real Madrid's defence. His contribution to Mac Allister's goal demonstrated his attacking instincts, while his defensive solidity ensured Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe were kept quiet for large spells. At just 22 years old, Bradley delivered a performance that belied his years, proving he can perform on the biggest stage against Europe's elite. This was a complete full-back display that will live long in the memory of Liverpool supporters.