Liverpool 1-0 Real Madrid summary: score, goals, highlights | Champions League 2025/26
An Alexis Mac Allister header gave Liverpool a hard-fought win at Anfield, despite Thibaut Courtois’ heroics.
Show key events only
Liverpool vs Real Madrid: As it happened
Liverpool fans celebrate statement win against Real Madrid.
The 2025/26 season has been a tough one for Liverpool but they saved their best performance for the biggest stage. A well-rounded showing from Arne Slot's men gives Liverpool a 1-0 win.
Alexis Mac Allister goal breaks deadlock at Anfield.
The Liverpool midfielder scored against Real Madrid for a second season in a row. His glancing header finally beat Thibaut Courtois and gave Liverpool the three points.
Did we expect anything else? Trent Alexander-Arnold returned to his former team for the first time and received a very rough reception from the Liverpool crowd.
Resurgent Reds dominate against Real Madrid.
They may only have scored once but Liverpool could have been out of sight, if not for a series of brilliant saves from Courtois. It was a set piece that broke the deadlock, Alexis Mac Allister heading home a Dominik Szoboszlai free kick.
Peeep peeeeep peeeeeeeeep
It's full time at Anfield and Liverpool have an impressive victory over Real Madrid.
Liverpool 1-0 Real Madrid.
Huge cheers from the home crowd as a Trent Alexander-Arnold cross drifts out of play for a throw-in on the far side. Few real opportunities to impress for the Englishman so far.
Strong run from Konate to bring the ball out of defense and get Liverpool up the field. He tries to play the ball through to Gakpo but the play breaks down and Madrid regain possession.
Good work from Bellingham to win his team a free kick in the Real Madrid half.
A chance for the visitors to build from the back and force one more late chance.
The corner kick is well-defended by Liverpool and the ball dribbles out of play after a poor touch from Mbappe.
Huge cheers for a Liverpool goal kick.
Another strong tackle from Bradley to stop the progress of Vinicius on the left. It's a clean challenge but the ball goes out for a Madrid corner.
We're going to have five minutes of added time at Anfield.
Another Real Madrid substitution. It's Brahim Diaz who replaces Fede Valverde.
Double change for Liverpool.
Kerkez and Chiesa come on to replace Robertson and Wirtz, two of Liverpool's best performers tonight.
Liverpool come close as Salah finds Gakpo in the middle and forces another sharp save from Courtois.
Madrid survive.
The game is getting very stretched now with Madrid throwing more players forward in search of a leveler. Liverpool have changes to counter and they are trying to take advantage.
We're set up for a thrilling finale here...
Brilliant hold-up play from Gapko finds Salah in space on the right. He cuts inside and tries to make space for a shot but can't quite find the angle.
Rodrygo tries to latch onto a long ball forward from Militao but he can't quite bring it under control. Liverpool manage to crowd him out and even win the goal kick.
With Trent Alexander-Arnold on for Madrid, Valverde shifts into his more natural central role.
The home crowd breaks into a loud rendition of the Steven Gerrard chant, paying tribute to the homegrown star who stayed at Liverpool.
Another Real Madrid change, and look who it is...
Trent Alexander-Arnold receives a chorus of boos as he enters at Liverpool, replacing Arda Guler.
It looks like Cody Gakpo will lead the line for Liverpool in the closing stages, taking Ekitike's spot.
Here's that Liverpool change.
It's Mac Allister and Ekitike coming off. They are replaced by Jones and Gakpo.
Powerful run from Andy Robertson through the middle, before slipping a through ball into the path of Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian can't quite get clear and Alvaro Carerras gets across the intercept. Liverpool win a throw-in.
It looks like Liverpool may be about to make their first changes of the game.
Curtis Jones and Cody Gakpo are being readied.
The visitors are starting to turn the screw now.
Vinicius whips in a low cross towards Mbappe, who tries to cushion the ball into the top corner from just inside the box. It's a brilliant effort but the ball drifts just wide of the target.
This game isn't over yet.
Madrid find space and work the ball to VInicius on the left. He clips in a cross towards the on-rushing Bellingham in the middle but Liverpool have enough players back to nod the ball clear.
Real tension around the game now. Liverpool's one-goal lead is well deserved but without a cushion there will be a lot of nerves in the Anfield crowd.
Real Madrid are looking to push Liverpool back now with a five-man frontline.
It's Vinicius, Guler, Bellingham and Rodrygo operating behind Mbappe for the visitors.
First change of the game is a Real Madrid one.
Rodrygo comes on for Camavinga, an attacking move from Alonso.
Clever ball from Mbappe to send Camavinga clear down the right wing but Liverpool get numbers back to stop his progress. Determined defensive work from the hosts.
Florian Wirtz is down receiving treatment as a chorus of 'Allez, Allez, Allez' rings around Anfield.
What now for Real Madrid? They have been second-best all night and haven't managed to create much in the Liverpool penalty box.
Can Xabi Alonso change things around for his team?
Liverpool 1-0 Real Madrid
A brilliant, crashing header from Mac Allister to beat Courtois. The power of the header sent the ball past the Madrid goalkeeper and gives Liverpool the lead.
GOOOOOAAAAAAL! Alexis Mac Allister
Finally, the breakthrough for Liverpool!
Brilliant cross in from Szoboszlai on the right, finds the head of Mac Alliser to beat Courtois from the edge of the six-yard box.
Ekitike does well to spin on the halfway line and drive towards the edge of the Madrid box. He pokes the ball out right towards Salah, who curls in a left-footed cross.
Madrid clear but Liverpool come again with Gravenberch, who is fouled by Bellingham on the edge of the box.
Nearly at the hour-mark, we haven't seen much from Kylian Mbappe so far this evening.
One of the most in-form players in world soccer, it would be a surprise to see him go the whole game without a significant involvement of some sort.
Interesting tactical tweak from Liverpool in the first half. At times Ekitike is drifting out to the left, allowing Wirtz to drift inside and operate as a free No. 10.
It's proving difficult to pick up for Madrid.
Real Madrid break with Vinicius down the right. He is slowed down by retreating Liverpool defenders but Madrid manage to keep the ball.
For the first time this half, the visitors knock the ball around in the Liverpool half.
Alexis Mac Allister
The Argentine is booked for that foul on Mbappe.
It's Szoboszlai who takes the free kick but it's comfortably saved by Courtois.
Real Madrid counter-attack and Mac Allister is forced to pull back Mbappe on the break.
Liverpool have been denied so far but they have started fast in the second half. Real Madrid are pinned back in the own half and Bellingham is forced to pull down Gravenberch on the edge of the box.
Free kick for Liverpool in a dangerous position, left of center...
Another corner kick, another fine save from Courtois. This time it's Konate who is denied.
A third corner kick finds the head of Ekitike but his header is nodded wide of the target.
Real Madrid survive, and they have their goalkeeper to thank.
Instinctive save from Courtois!
The corner kick is swung in from Wirtz, finding the head of Van Dijk in the middle. He plants a firm header from close range but Courtois somehow pushes the ball clear.
Darting run from Salah to make space for a cross and he fires in the ball from the right. It's put out for a Liverpool corner kick.
And we're back.
Second half underway at Anfield, finely poised.
Aurelien Tchouameni was penalized for a handball on the edge of the box but avoided giving away a penalty. / Movistar
Real Madrid escape penalty after VAR check.
Perhaps the most contentious moment of the first half centered around a potential penalty for Liverpool.
A diving Tchouameni blocked Szoboszlai's shot on the edge of the penalty box. The referee initially awarded a free kick for a handball, before VAR encouraged him to take another look on the screen.
It looked like the Frenchman was inside the box, meaning that Liverpool could have been due a penalty. But he opted to reverse his initial handball decision. After a few minutes of consideration, Liverpool won neither a penalty nor a free kick.
As you can imagine, the home support was not impressed.
Good start from Alvaro Carreras against Liverpool.
Still only 22 years old, Alvaro Carreras is playing in his first Champions League campaign for Real Madrid and he's had a very solid start at Anfield. The Madrid left-back has had plenty of work to do against Liverpool but he's done it all well and has even managed to support Vinicius in attack.
Liverpool denied by dominant Courtois.
How many times have we seen this? Real Madrid were on the ropes at points in the first half against Liverpool but Thibaut Courtois made a series of brilliant saves to keep the scores level.
Will Liverpool be made to regret that?
Peeep peeeep peeeeeeep
Halftime at Anfield, all square at the break.
Wirtz does well on the right, pulling the ball back to Mac Allister lurking on the edge of the box. The Liverpool midfielder takes aim from 25 yards, drawing another strong save from Courtois.
Dean Huijsen
The Madrid defender is shown a booking for a clumsy tackle on Ekitike on the halfway line.
We're going to have two minutes of added time at the end of the first half.
Bellingham comes close!
First big opening for Real Madrid. Jude Bellingham shows great close control inside the Liverpool box, skipping past Konate and drawing a sharp save from Mamardashvili.
The Liverpool corner kick is swung into the box by Florian Wirtz but Madrid scramble the ball clear. Into the final moments of the first half now.
Another top save from Courtois, diving to his right to deny Szoboszlai from range. It's a strong hand from the big Belgian, tipping the ball out for a Liverpool corner kick.
Five minutes to go until the break, is there one more big chance for Liverpool before halftime?
Brilliant turn from Wirtz on the halfway line, before being pulled down by Bellingham. Liverpool free kick.
Good touch from Tchouameni to skip through the midfield and finds Mbappe in the middle. He works the ball out to Vinicius in the box but he is dispossessed by Bradley, who has been excellent so far.
Vinicius goes down appealing for a penalty but the referee isn't buying it.
Liverpool's Ekitike does well to hold the ball up but he can't find a teammate as they flood forward. The chance is wasted.
It's been a very good first half form Liverpool. Will they be punished if they can't find a breakthrough before halftime?
Szoboszlai finds space again on the edge of the Madrid box and takes aim. He fires low and hard but Courtois gets down to save comfortably.
Another promising move from Liverpool finds Bradley flying forward on the right. His low cross is a dangerous one but Madrid get it clear.
Momentum definitely with Liverpool now.
Decision - No handball.
Referee Istvan Kovac goes over to check on the screen. On second viewing, he decides that his hand ball decision was wrong and reverses the call.
No penalty, and no free kick for Liverpool. The home crowd is not happy.
VAR - Potential Liverpool penalty.
Hold on, was Tchouameni inside the box when that ball struck his arm?
It looks like he may have been, it's going to VAR...
Courtois is forced to rush out of his box to clear a ball with his head.
Liverpool come straight back and work the ball to Szoboszlai on the edge of the box and he fires a strike at goal.
Tchouameni dives in and blocks the ball, giving away a free kick when it strikes his hand. Good shooting position for Liverpoool
Liverpool have looked very dangerous in the transition so far, particularly when Florian Wirtz has found space to break into. A very promising start from the German tonight.
Brilliant save Courtois!
Liverpool fly forward with Wirtz down the right. He crosses to Szoboszlai in the middle of the box, who has the whole goal in front of him. The Madrid keeper flies out and makes a brilliant one-on-one save!
Szoboszlai curls in the free kick form the right and finds the head of Konate but he can't get a proper connection on the cross.
Vinicius Jr
The Real Madrid man is booked for the foul.
Brilliant powerful run from Conor Bradley, running 50 yards with the ball and drawing a cynical foul from Vinicius.
Back to the action, Real Madrid have a free kick midway through the Liverpool half.
It's Arda Guler who clips the ball forward but it's over-hit and floats out for a Liverpool goal kick.
On 20 minutes the whole of Anfield rises to sing the Diogo Jota song, a tribute to the former player who tragically died in the summer.
The travelling Real Madrid fans appear to be applauding the gesture, a touching moment between the two sets of fans.
Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe up against Liverpool's Ryan Gravenberch. / Phil Noble / REUTERS
Lively start at Anfield.
A few half-chances for both teams after a high-energy start. Both Liverpool and Real Madrid will be fairly happy with how the first 20 minutes have gone.
Madrid's turn to counter-attack now and they work the ball forward to Mbappe. The Frenchman finds a pocket of space in the box and strikes firmly with his right foot but Mbappe's shot balloons over the crossbar.
Chance to break for Liverpool as Wirtz and Ekitike stride forward. The field opens up for Ekitike but his long-range shot is blocked on the edge of the Madrid box.
Not sure if that was the best option, with Salah streaming forward down the right.
Neat touches from Conor Bradley at right-back for Liverpool. The home crowd cheers as the young defender skips past Vinicius Junior on the Liverpool right.
A deafening chorus of 'Allez, Allez, Allez' from the home crowd rolls around the stadium.
European nights at Anfield.
Lively start to this meeting of two European heavyweights. Liverpool have had the better of it so far, Real Madrid are struggling to get a hold of the ball.
Brilliant work from Wirtz to pinch the ball off Huijsen in the Madrid box. The German does brilliantly to puss the ball back to Mac Allister on the edge of the box but his right-footed shot flies over the bar.
First real chance of the game, it falls to Liverpool.
The free kick is played short to Vinicius but his cross is poor again. Real Madrid manage to recover the ball and start to get a few touches, easing their way into the game.
Good play from Vinicius again, holding up the ball and winning a free kick form Bradley near the corner flag. Chance for Madrid to deliver from out wide.
First foray forward from Real Madrid comes from Vinicius down the left. He makes good progress but his left-footed cross is a poor one and Liverpool easily clear.
The Anfield crowd is really up for this one, enjoying an assertive start from their team.
Wirtz is stationed on the left wing, looking to combine with Ekitike whenever possible. Salah remains in his usual place out on the right.
Valverde shows good strength to hold off Ekitike and win a free kick inside his own box. It's been an energetic start from the Liverpool frontman.
Neat touch from Ekitike to flick the ball in behind the Madrid defense but Wirtz can't quite reach it. Courtois gathers.
Defeaning noise from the home crowd as Liverpool get on the front foot from the off. Clever run from Salah creates problems for Madrid but the visitors clear.
And we're off!
Liverpool get us underway at Anfield.
Liverpool vs Real Madrid: Teams news!
In case you missed it earlier, here's a look at how the two teams line up for this one...
Liverpool XI: Mamardashvili; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Wirtz; Ekitike.
Real Madrid XI: Courtois; Valverde, Militao, Huijsen, Carreras; Tchouameni, Camavinga, Arda Guler, Bellingham, Vini Jr, Mbappe.
Liverpool ready for a massive Champions League night.
The Reds may have cruised to the Premier League title but they underwhelmed a little in Europe. Is this going to be another famous Champions League campaign for the Reds?
We're nearly ready for the off at Anfield.
The two teams are lining up in the tunnel now, ready to emerge onto a rainy night in Liverpool. Stay with us for this one, it's set to be a cracker!
Jude Bellingham returns to England.
Now 22 years old, Jude Bellingham have never played in the top flight in England. He broke through with second-tier team Birmingham City, before moving to Borussia Dortmund at the age of 16. After impressing in Germany to was signed by Real Madrid two years ago and hasn't looked back.
Liverpool take on Real Madrid in big Champions league clash. / RONALD WITTEK / EFE
Arne Slot calls on Anfield crowd to roar team on.
Liverpool's Anfield Stadium has a fearsome reputation on European nights and Reds boss Arne Slot has called on fans to make themselves heard. Speaking at the pregame press conference, Slot said:
"We face a team that is on a great run of form, like [Aston] Villa was as well. It's always very pleasant to play at home because in the run of form we had we almost only played away games. I think Anfield showed [on] Saturday how important they can be for the team, so let's hope the players and the team and the fans can do the same tomorrow evening."
Liverpool getting ready at Anfield.
The anticipation is rising in the North West. Both sets of teams are running through their pregame routines in the rain, getting ready for a big UCL clash.
Will Trent Alexander-Arnold get a good reception at Anfield?
Judging by this graffiti, perhaps not. Trent was a Liverpool legend having progressed through the club's academy to be one of the world's best in his position. The move to Real Madrid sparked an angry reaction from a significant proportion of Liverpool supporters and he may not be welcomed back warmly.
Over the summer Liverpool broke the Premier League transfer record to bring Florian Wirtz to Anfield for a $156 million fee. The German forward has starred with German side Bayer Leverkusen in recent years, but he could easily have wound up playing for tonight's opposition.
Here's how Real Madrid nearly signed "pure talent" Wirtz...
Mohamed Salah looks to build on Aston Villa goal.
The 2025/26 season has started slowly for Mohamed Salah. As Liverpool have stuttered in their title defense the Egyptian forward has also struggled, but he did score a clinical goal against Aston Villa last weekend.
That goal was his 250th for Liverpool and he stands on the brink of another milestone in the Champions League. Salah needs two more goals to reach 50 in the UCL.
After years of success under Carlo Ancelotti, the expectations for new boss Xabi Alonso are very high. Nevertheless the Spaniard has managed to bring a new style of play to the team and has given opportunities to young players.
The likes of Jude Bellingham (22), Dean Huijsen (20), Álvaro Carreras (22) and Arda Güler (20) all start for Los Blancos tonight...
The Liverpool midfielder speaks ahead of kick-off.
Ryan Gravenberch ready for Real Madrid challenge.
Liverpool's Ryan Gravenberch speaks to CBS Sports reporters ahead of kick-off, revealing his thoughts on the Real Madrid team that they face.
The Dutchman said: "Top of LaLiga, and they have won every UCL game already. They have a top team with a lot of good players."
Asked about his own scoring form this year, Gravenberch replied: "When the chance is there I will try to take it. I've scored three already, so I'll take that."
Real Madrid arrive at Anfield.
Los Blancos arrive for tonight's game against Liverpool. Kylian Mbappe looks relaxed as he prepares for another meeting with the Reds, looking to improve on last year's showing.
Arne Slot speaks at the pregame press conference.
Liverpool are prepared for 'big force' in the Champions League.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, Liverpool head coach Arne Slot was asked how he sees Real Madrid under Xabi Alonso:
" Xabi [Alonso] is doing an incredible job at Madrid but Carlo Ancelotti did the same; he won a lot. They've added a few new players, so that can always influence playing style maybe a little, but I saw last season a very good Real Madrid – and I see that now as well."
He continued: "They have always been a big force in this competition; I don't know how many semi-finals or more they've played in the last few years. A very good team, but we are a very good team as well."
Liverpool return for Trent Alexander-Arnold.
After 354 appearances, two Premier League titles, one Champions League and a whole host of other trophies, Alexander-Arnold left Liverpool over the summer. Already he's back, but will start on the bench for Real Madrid.
One hour to go until kick-off now and supporters are funneling into Anfield for tonight's game.
If you've got a spare few minutes, have a read of this poignant story of a soccer pioneer who links these two famous clubs.
Liverpool in the house.
The Premier League champions arrive at Anfield for a big Champions League night. They haven't been at the best for the last month but there is no shortage of quality and the Liverpool supporters are always up for a European clash.
Arne Slot backs Wirtz from the start. / Kai Pfaffenbach / REUTERS
Florian Wirtz gets the start for Liverpool.
The first few months at Liverpool have not been easy for Florian Wirtz but he has been given the chance to impress on the biggest stage. The German forward arrived on a $156 million deal over the summer but hasn't yet found the form that made him so impressive with Bayer Leverkusen. Is tonight the night that he starts to replay that enormous fee?
Liverpool team news to take on Real Madrid.
Here's how the hosts start this evening. Arne Slot goes with an attacking trident of Wirtz - Ekitike - Salah.
Last time out: Liverpool 2-0 Real Madrid.
It's only been a year, the previous meeting between Liverpool and Real Madrid came at the same point in last year's competition. The in-form Reds secured a famous 2-0 victory with goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo.
Real Madrid start with Fede Valverde at right-back. / Pedro Castillo / Real Madrid via Getty Images
Trent Alexander-Arnold starts on the bench against Liverpool.
As expected, Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso goes with the vastly experienced Fede Valverde from the start at Anfield. Trent is still easing his way back to full fitness after a hamstring injury but will be available from the bench,
Real Madrid team news to face Liverpool.
Here's how Xabi Alonso lines up today...
Champions League schedule for Matchday 4.
We'll be focusing on the Liverpool - Real Madrid game here but there is a long list of mouth-watering UCL games today. Paris Saint-Germain taking on Bayern Munich is another stand-out clash.
Xabi Alonso on Trent Alexander-Arnold's Liverpool return.
“He has to have his own feelings and enjoy it his own way. So I am not going to say how he needs to feel it. For sure his history is different from mine, he was born and bred in Liverpool. I remember him from a young age in the academy and then coming to the first team and winning the Champions League. So he needs to enjoy the moment because it is nice to be back.”
Arne Slot quizzed on Trent Alexander-Arnold reception.
"I can only tell you what I'm going to give him. I have great memories of him as a person. My experience working with him is positive. I remember watching him on television... We have some great moments together in a Liverpool shirt. I'll give him a warm welcome, but I don't know how the fans will receive him."
Kylian Mbappe returns to Liverpool in red-hot form.
It's fair to say that this year's Mbappe is a very different prospect. The Frenchman continued his fine season with a crucial goal in the El Clasico win over Barcelona two weeks ago and he will be looking to extend his incredible scoring run today.
Real Madrid visited Anfield last season and it did not go to plan for Kylian Mbappe. The Frenchman struggled against a tough Liverpool team in 2024/25 but may face less resistance this time around with Arne Slot's side coming into the game on a very patchy run of recent form.
Real Madrid take in the sights on Merseyside.
What does the team's social media admin get up to on Champions League matchday? Now you know...
Xabi Alonso made subtle change for Liverpool trip.
New Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso spent many happy years at Anfield when he wore the red of Liverpool. Now on the other side of the fixture, it's a more daunting proposition for the Spanish coach. Speaking ahead of today's game, Alonso revealed that he had implemented a little change, waiting until Monday night before making the trip to England.
He explained: “It’s my decision because we have to prepare for the match, and we prefer to do it at our training ground, in our own space, so we don’t get caught by 200 cameras."
Is this Real Madrid's last trip to Anfield? Almost certainly not, but these games will be less frequent in the future due to a little-known UEFA rule. Here's everything you need to know...
Another magical European night at Anfield?
Liverpool fans have seen more than their fair share of European heroics over the years and they will need another special performance if they are to defeat a red-hot Real Madrid. The tension is rising on Merseyside.
Hello and welcome to the AS USA live coverage of Matchday 4 of the 2025/26 Champions League.
Tonight we're at Anfield, and it's a big one. Liverpool host Real Madrid in a meeting of two of the most successful teams in European soccer history.
Alongside all of the other on-field action, there is also the prospect of Trent Alexander-Arnold returning to Merseyside to take on his former team just months on from his controversial move to the Spanish capital.
I'm Will Gittins and I'll be bringing you full live coverage of a fascinating UCL clash...
Complete your personal details to comment