Arne Slot could be forgiven for thinking this is an annual event in autumn on Merseyside. For the second consecutive year, Real Madrid were beaten on a heady night during an electric Anfield atmosphere. Just like last year, Alexis Mac Allister opened the scoring, the World Cup winner serving as the scourge of the European Cup’s most storied club.
The difference – and perhaps the reason why this felt a still greater feat – is that Liverpool had stumbled into a potentially defining week. “We had a very bad run of form in terms of results,” said Slot. “No excuse in the world can make up for us losing so many games.” But after six defeats in seven games, they have overcome Aston Villa, winners of one European Cup, and Real, winners of a mere 15. From the worst run of Slot’s managerial career, Liverpool delivered their best performance of the season. This was restorative. This was remarkable.
