Liverpool are the only team with a perfect record in this season’s Champions League after beating title-holders Real Madrid 2-0 in their heavyweight clash on Wednesday, with last season’s runners-up Borussia Dortmund among the night’s other winners. The showdown at Anfield saw Real attempting to extend a run of eight games unbeaten against Liverpool.
However, Arne Slot’s Premier League leaders were too strong, with Alexis MacAllister putting them ahead early in the second half.
Kylian Mbappe endured a frustrating night and squandered a chance to equalise for Madrid after an hour when his penalty was saved.
Mohamed Salah then missed from the spot at the other end but substitute Cody Gakpo headed in Liverpool’s second goal on 76 minutes.
They are the sole side with five wins from five in this new-look Champions League, and are now guaranteed to advance at least to the knockout phase play-offs in February.
“You know how special it is to play against a club that won this Champions League so many times, are the reigning champions and were a pain in the ass for Liverpool many times as well,” said Slot.
Real have lost three of their five matches and with six points they are currently 24th, the very last qualifying spot for the knockout phase.
Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti had words of comfort for their star French striker, saying: “This is a difficult moment for Mbappe. We will support him and give him love.”
Inter Milan sit second on 13 points, followed by Barcelona and Dortmund each on 12, with the Germans winning 3-0 against Dinamo Zagreb in Croatia.
A great goal by English youngster Jamie Gittens gave Dortmund a first-half lead, before Ramy Bensebaini headed in on 56 minutes and substitute Serhou Guirassy sealed the win late on.