Second-half goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo, along with a Kylian Mbappe penalty saved by goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, gave Liverpool a 2-0 win over Real Madrid at Anfield. The win ensured Liverpool became the first of the 36 teams in the Champions League to avoid early elimination with a perfect record after five matches.

After the match, Kelleher received a shower of praise from his teammates and coach Arne Slot. Mac Allister, the best player of the match, said: “Thank God we had Kelleher in goal. We needed him and he saved us from conceding a goal. I think Kelleher deserves the title of best player of the match”.

Coach Arne Slot said: “Kelleher was fantastic. The team has relied on Alisson for many years, but Kelleher always maintained a high level of performance and readiness. I am really happy because today the team played well and won against a special opponent.”

Coach Slot admitted that he did not expect the team to achieve this achievement so soon: “Starting at a new club, I just hope the players quickly get used to my tactics, although it is not too difficult because my playing style is similar to Jurgen Klopp’s, especially when there is no ball. Before the tournament started, no one thought of winning all 5 matches. That was surprising.”

“It’s a big week and I’m very happy to have won against the European champions, who have given us so much trouble over the years. I’m pleased with the result but also the way we played. However, we’ll celebrate today and then focus on the next games tomorrow,” he added.

Real Madrid not only lost to Liverpool, but also had to face big questions about Kylian Mbappe’s form. The French striker not only missed a penalty but also played poorly and awkwardly throughout the match.

When asked about Mbappe’s form, coach Carlo Ancelotti said briefly: “We are returning to the way we want to play, but the injury problem is still affecting. Mbappe fought, and the whole team supports him.”