There were subplots aplenty heading into this mouthwatering clash between two European heavyweights, and none more so than Trent Alexander-Arnold’s return to Merseyside. He began the night on the bench and watched on as Mac Allister rifled an early effort over the bar.
Thibaut Courtois was then called into action for the first time, making an outstanding save to deny Dominik Szoboszlai after the Hungarian was spotted by Florian Wirtz.
Controversy ensued just past the half-hour mark when referee Istvan Kovacs rescinded his decision to penalise Aurelien Tchouameni for handball right on the edge of the box, following the intervention of VAR.
Many Liverpool fans expected a penalty to be awarded, but much to their surprise, the call was overturned.
Undeterred, Szoboszlai tried his luck with a ferocious right-footed drive, which Courtois parried to safety. This contest was simmering very nicely heading towards half-time, with further chances for Jude Bellingham and Mac Allister at the end of an intriguing first half.
Courtois was single-handedly keeping the scoreline level in an early second-half blitz of chances for Slot’s side.
The Belgian shot-stopper made two superb saves to parry away separate headers from Virgil van Dijk and Hugo Ekitike, before the Frenchman went close with another opportunity moments later.
It was going to take something special to beat Los Blancos’ goalkeeper, and Slot’s men found the breakthrough when Mac Allister powered home an unstoppable header from Szoboszlai’s free-kick to give the Reds a well-deserved lead.
It was the Argentine’s third goal in the Champions League proper, two of which have come against Real.
Alexander-Arnold was introduced in the 81st minute, and the 27-year-old received a largely negative reception as he replaced Arda Guler.
Courtois kept the deficit at one when he thwarted Cody Gakpo from close range, and it seemed like the Reds were edging their way towards three hard-earned points.
Ultimately, Liverpool had done enough to claim what could be a huge victory in the context of their season.
Incredibly, this was the first time Slot’s side had secured back-to-back wins since a run of seven in a row came to an end with defeat at Crystal Palace in late September.
Meanwhile, Real can have few complaints with the result and have only emerged victorious in just two of their last 10 meetings against English clubs (D3, L5).
Flashscore Man of the Match: Dominik Szoboszlai (Liverpool)
