Liverpool Win And Kian Kukuh At The Top Of The Champions League Standings, Real Madrid Threatened To Fail

Goalkeeper Caoimhin Kel's neck saved Kylian Mbappe's penalty which gave Liverpool a 2-0 win over Real Madrid in the Champions League match. (X/@LFC)

JAKARTA - Liverpool confirmed their position at the top of the Champions League standings after winning 2-0 over Real Madrid in a big match at Anfield Stadium, Thursday, November 28, 2024 in the morning WIB.

Liverpool are unstoppable and maintain a winning record in the Champions League. Even the defending champions who were unable to block Liverpool.

Liverpool's brilliant performance in European competitions and the English Premier League show the smooth transition of the manager's replacement. Arne Slot, who previously handled Feyenoord, succeeded in replacing Juergen Klopp.

Liverpool not only topped the Premier League standings but also the Champions League. In the race for this wide-eared trophy, Liverpool set a perfect record by winning five matches in the preliminary.

The result made the Reds stronger to top the standings with points 15. With three more matches remaining in the preliminary round, Virgil van Dijk et al are almost certain to qualify for the last 16.

This season's Champions League competition uses a new format with no group division in the preliminary round. There is only one standings with 36 teams playing eight matches. The team, which is ranked first to eighth, will qualify automatically for the next round.

Meanwhile, ninth to 24th place must play-offs to complete the next eight teams. Currently, Madrid are in 24th position by pocketing six points. If they fail to add points, their position is threatened with failing to get a play-off ticket.

In the big match presented at Anfield, Liverpool and Madrid showed their best performance. Madrid is clearly one of the toughest opponents Liverpool must be able to beat.

The hosts started the match well. Liverpool were able to dominate with the possession ball reaching 70%. However, their attacks never paid off throughout the first half.

Los Merengues' strong defense made Liverpool unable to score even though they got several chances. The score without a goal lasted until the first half was over.

Entering the second half, Liverpool continued to play offensively. They immediately pressed Madrid. This time, the home attack gave results.

Midfielder Alexis Mac Allister broke the deadlock after completing an assist from Conor Bradley in the 52nd minute. After winning 1-0, Liverpool tried not to let their guard down and continued to defend their possession ball.

Only, Madrid refused to give up and threatened Liverpool's goal. Carlo Ancelotti's side finally got a chance to equalize after defender Andrew Robertson made a foul in the city of penalties. He brought down Lucas Vazquez so the referee pointed to the spot in the 61st minute.

Unfortunately, Kylian Mbappe, who was the executor of the penalty, failed to complete the task. His shot was brilliantly thwarted by goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelher.

Liverpool also maintain this advantage. They still press the opponent and hope to increase their advantage.

The hosts were then awarded a penalty after Ferland Mendy brought down Mohamed Salah in the 70th minute. It was wrong to take the execution himself. But like Mbappe, he also failed to complete the execution because it was wide.

However, Liverpool were finally able to add goals. This time, it was Cody Gakpo who beat goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois in the 77th minute. Gakpo successfully completed Robertson's assist. The score changed to 2-0 for Liverpool and lasted until the game was over.