Liverpool secured a narrow but deserved 1-0 victory over Real Madrid in a tense Champions League encounter at Anfield.

Alexis Mac Allister broke the deadlock in the 61st minute, rising unmarked to nod in Dominik Szoboszlai’s precise cross past Thibaut Courtois, who had earlier pulled off several impressive saves to keep Madrid in contention.

Despite Courtois’ heroics, the Spanish giants struggled to contain Liverpool’s high tempo and incisive pressing, allowing the hosts to dictate much of the play.

Trent Alexander-Arnold’s emotional return to Anfield, this time in Real Madrid colors, drew a mixed reaction from the home crowd. Introduced in the 82nd minute, the England defender was loudly booed by fans who once idolized him and failed to make a telling impact in the closing stages.

Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso made several tactical tweaks, including introducing Rodrygo and shifting Fede Valverde centrally, but Liverpool remained compact and dangerous on the counter, holding firm to claim all three points on Matchday 4 of the 2025 Champions League.