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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Sport
Richard Jolly

Liverpool are the best in Europe right now — and two understudies are key

Conor Bradley Kylian Mbappe Mohamed Salah Caoimhin Kelleher Cody Gakpo Europe Thibaut Courtois Real Madrid the Champions League Arne Slot
Liverpool enjoyed a statement night over Real Madrid - (Reuters)

A few weeks ago, it was possible to look at Arne Slot’s seemingly impressive start at Liverpool, adopt a sceptical tone and ask who they had really beaten. And now an eloquent answer can be provided in two words: Real Madrid. The kings of Europe, to borrow Pep Guardiola’s phrase, the Champions League holders, the side even Jurgen Klopp never beat.

Some 19 games into his reign, Slot has 17 victories, the latest against the 15-time winners. He already has two great Anfield European nights, officially the finest sides in first Germany and now Spain defeated, and Liverpool top the Champions League, their claim to be the best team in the continent right now reinforced not merely by victory but by the manner of it. More energetic and more ambitious than Real, they overcame them for the first time since 2009.

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