Mac Allister header and Szoboszlai masterclass lift Liverpool past Madrid | OneFootball

Liverpool 1 – 0 Real Madrid – CL Player Ratings

The Champions League’s return after an important victory over Aston Villa saw Xabi Alonso and Trent Alexander-Arnold return to Anfield.

The lineup and subsequent ratings are listed below.

Giorgi Mamardashvili – 8.0

The giant Georgian stopper was superb late in the half with a low stop and good handling after a routine first half.

After the restart, the Reds’ backup keeper was concentrated and alert as he remained resolute in his work.

Conor Bradley – 9.0

The Irish fullback was lively and combative, with strong forward movement and fine defensive play.

After the break, the young defender was more reserved as he took his responsibility to the level required at this level.

Andy Robertson – 9.0

The Scotland international was tenacious and invigorating in the first half as he remained locked in down the flank.

After the intermission, the veteran full-back was switched on to counter oncoming attacks with guile and desire.

Subbed – 87 mins

Ibrahima Konaté – 8.0

The French international defender was combative early on and made key interceptions to keep his backline intact.

In the second period, the former RB Leipzig man was again able to stay strong and make good decisions against a world-class attack.

Virgil van Dijk – 9.0

The captain and leader of this team was vocal and commanding as he organised the defensive group with confidence.

After the intermission, the former Celtic giant was nearly the opening scorer with a solid header which was well saved. A stellar and polished defensive performance was undertaken to ensure his side remained in the ascendancy.

Dominik Szoboszlai – 10.0

The Hungarian skipper was energetic and powerful in the opening half as he tested the opposing keeper with two fierce strikes and incisive passes, as well as a one-on-one effort which was brilliantly stopped.

When the match resumed, the former RB Leipzig man tested the opposition keeper once more with a stinging free kick from distance. The assist for the opening goal was superbly executed by the player of the season thus far.

Man of the match

Ryan Gravenberch – 8.0

The Dutch midfielder was solid and produced good moments on the ball, covering ground to ensure space was limited.

After the half-time break, the former Ajax prodigy was again production-heavy with his work as he offered a good balance between the lines.

Alexis Mac Allister – 9.0

The Argentina international was controlled and asserted in his work and had a fine low shot beaten away late in the half.

After the break, the 2023 summer signing was the man to open the scoring with a superb header from a brilliant free kick.

Photo IMAGO

Florian Wirtz – 8.0

The German attacker was creative and energetic in a fine first-half display where he linked well with those in and around him.

In the second half, the wide man was inventive and always willing as he played the wider position very well.

Subbed – 87 mins

Hugo Ekitike – 8.0

The French attacker was strong and gave a good variation of pace and control to ensure the forward line had a focal point.

After the break, the former PSG striker was unlucky not to score with a brilliant header as he climbed well from the corner. A mazy run had the ground on its feet in a fine centre-forward display.

Subbed – 77 mins

Mohamed Salah – 8.0

The Egyptian King was direct and confident in his work as he probed and gave great wide options on the ball.

In the second 45 minutes, the record-breaking attacker was able to show desire and restraint as he showed great determination to cover ground and remain an outlet. A great chance was smothered late on.

Substitutions;

Curtis Jones – 7.0 (on 77)

Came on to add more energy.

Cody Gakpo – 7.0 (on 77)

Came on to add a different dimension and showed great maturity off the ball. Unlucky not to score late on.

Federico Chiesa – 7.0 (on 87)

Came on.

Milos Kerkez – 7.0 (on 87)

Came on.

The Manager;

Arne Slot – 9.0

The Dutch head coach was correct in his starting lineup and laid out his team to be direct and effective on and off the ball.

The substitutions were well timed and allowed more energy as Madrid started to ramp up their efforts.

Steven Smith’s Pre-match Prediction;

Liverpool 2 – 2 Real Madrid