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Liverpool surged to the top of their Champions League group with a commanding 2-0 victory over defending champions Real Madrid at Anfield on Wednesday.
Goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo sealed a crucial win, putting the Reds two points clear at the top of the newly expanded 36-team competition.
Liverpool’s performance was so dominant that even a rare penalty miss from Mohamed Salah—who failed to convert from the spot—could not diminish their revenge on the defending champions.
The Reds made it five wins from five games under new manager Arne Slot, who has overseen an impressive start to the season, with Liverpool also leading the Premier League.
Real Madrid, who now sit 24th in the standings, were largely outplayed on a miserable night.
Kylian Mbappé, who was tightly marked throughout the match, missed a penalty that could have brought Real level in the second half, only adding to the visitors’ frustrations.
The breakthrough came early in the second half when Mac Allister, after a slick one-two with Conor Bradley, fired Liverpool ahead in the 52nd minute, sending the Kop into raptures.
Gakpo wrapped up the win in the 76th minute, powering a header past Thibaut Courtois from Andy Robertson’s cross.
The victory marked Liverpool’s first win over Real Madrid since 2009, ending an eight-match winless streak against the Spanish giants.
The win sent Liverpool top of their group, with the top eight teams qualifying automatically for the knockout stages.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid, still reeling from their loss, are now in danger of dropping into the playoff spots, sitting 24th on the UCL table.
In other Champions League action, Aston Villa’s hopes of a late victory over Juventus were dashed when Morgan Rogers’ stoppage-time goal was ruled out for a foul on the goalkeeper.
Villa had the better chances throughout the match but were unable to break down Juventus’ solid defense.
Villa, who have not won in their last seven matches, now sit ninth in the table, while Juventus remain stuck in 19th.
Unai Emery’s team will be hoping to snap their winless streak soon, as they continue their search for consistency.
Wednesday UEFA Champions League Results
🏴 Aston Villa 0-0 Juventus 🇮🇹
🇮🇹 Bologna 1-2 Lille 🇨🇵
🏴 Celtic 1-1 Club Brugge 🇧🇪
🇭🇷 Dinamo 0-3 Dortmund 🇩🇪
🇲🇨 Monaco 2-3 Benfica 🇵🇹
🇳🇱 PSV 3-2 Shakhtar 🇺🇦
Storm Graz 1-0 Girona
FK Crvena Zvezda 5-1 Stuttgart
