Arne Slot! La-La-La Madristas!
The Reds finally get it done in Merseyside. Liverpool beat Madrid for the first time since 2009.
Arne Slot was a happy man on Wednesday night, as he has been most nights being Liverpool’s coach. He welcomed yet another manager to his penitentiary – this time Real Madrid’s manager Carlo Ancelotti.
Liverpool’s star right-back, Trent Alexander Arnold, was out injured – the very same player in deep links to move to the opponent for the evening, Real Madrid. But, he was replaced by a valiant man of the match performance from young Irishman Conor Bradley, who assisted the first goal of two to win the game for Liverpool.
It was a massive night for the club. Especially for Virgil Van Djik, Mohamed Salah, and Andy Robertson, the third who had played Madrid six times together in the Champion’s League, losing five and drawing one prior to this, including two defeats in two finals. The stakes for this game weren’t particularly high - the new champion’s league group stage is a table format, and Liverpool did not require a win to qualify for the next round – but vengeance is sweet.
It was a big night for former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, too. Alongside the two finals he lost to Madrid, he had targets from Bellingham, Tchouameni, and Mbappe swiped from him. It seemed at one point, that every time Liverpool wanted a player, Madrid beat them to it. But really Liverpool’s owners, the Fenway Sports Group, is to blame for this!
Klopp can be proud. Though he was never able to beat Madrid, he gave the debuts and rebuilt the team that went on to beat them on Wednesday. The line up included players from Liverpool’s academy: Bradley, Jones, and backup goalkeeper Kelleher. Bradley had an outstanding game, taking home not only an assist but Mbappe in his pocket, displaying a challenge against him celebrated like a goal! Jones was arguably the best midfielder on the pitch, again exemplifying his tempo control, ball retention, duel winning, and passing ability. He passed with aplomb, equally distributing over the pitch, creating chances and securing possession.
Kelleher, countryman to Bradley, saved Mbappe’s penalty and had an overall outstanding performance. Klopp’s most recent signing Mac Allister – TNT’s Man of the Match – scored the first goal. Gravenberch turned like an ice skater through Modric and Bellingham, and Szoboszlai – who came on adding energy and assurance to the midfield – was not bad either.
Slot is, well, slotting right in on Merseyside. Ever since a pesky loss to Nottingham Forest on the 14th of September he has not put a foot wrong. Overall with Liverpool, he has picked up 17 wins, one draw, and one loss. First place in Premier League with eight points above second place. First in the Champions League, and still in both cups. For a team most people predicted would be “just comfy” this season, he is doing phenomenally. Virgil is again the best defender in the world. He has got Gravenberch playing like Busquets. Salah is… Salah.
There are contracts to sort for Liverpool in Salah, Virgil Van Djik and Trent, but the Reds should ride this high for as long as they can and enjoy doing so. With a weakened Manchester City to play at home this Sunday, Anfield truly awaits.
