Second-half goals by Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo, combined with a crucial penalty save by goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher against Kylian Mbappe, secured Liverpool’s 2-0 victory over Real Madrid at Anfield. This win made Liverpool the first of 36 Champions League teams to avoid early elimination, boasting a perfect record after five matches.

Following the match, Kelleher earned widespread acclaim from his teammates and manager Arne Slot.

Mac Allister, named Player of the Match, praised the goalkeeper, saying: “Thank God we had Kelleher in goal. We needed him, and he saved us from conceding. I believe Kelleher deserves the title of best player of the match.”

Coach Arne Slot echoed the sentiment, stating: “Kelleher was fantastic. The team has relied on Alisson for many years, but Kelleher has consistently shown top-level performance and readiness. I’m thrilled with the win, especially against such a formidable opponent.”

Slot also acknowledged the unexpected success of his tenure so far: “At the start, my hope was simply for the players to adapt quickly to my tactics, which are somewhat similar to Jurgen Klopp’s, particularly in our off-the-ball approach. Winning all five group-stage matches was beyond anyone’s expectations.”

Reflecting on the achievement, Slot added: “It’s been a huge week, and beating the European champions—who have caused us so many problems in the past—is especially satisfying. I’m delighted not just with the result but with our performance. For now, we’ll celebrate this win, but tomorrow it’s back to preparing for the challenges ahead.”