Arne Slot praised Liverpool’s victory against the team that tormented them in the Champions League, saying the foundation for it came from the club’s youth academy players. The manager watched as Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo scored the goals in a 2-0 win against Real Madrid, putting Liverpool back at the top of the table with an unblemished record after five games.

It was goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher, right back Conor Bradley and midfielder Curtis Jones who stood out as Liverpool finally got a result against the fifteen-time European champions.

Madrid defeated Liverpool in the finals of the competition in 2018 and 2022, while eliminating them at the last 16 in 2023 and the quarter-finals in 2021.

Slot said: “I wouldn’t say it’s the same as any other, because you know how special it is to play against a club that has won this Champions League so many times and is also the reigning champion, who won Europe for the last time dominated. few years and were often a nuisance for Liverpool.”

Bradley dominated his duel with Kylian Mbappé and set up Mac Allister’s goal, although Slot claimed not to realize he had made the final pass. Kelleher then saved a penalty from Mbappé; Mohamed Salah missed from the spot for Liverpool for Gakpo’s goal. Jones once again exuded calmness and ingenuity on the ball.

The only downside for Liverpool was the sight of Bradley limping off with what appeared to be a muscle problem, and centre-back Ibrahima Konaté in clear discomfort with an unspecified problem after the final whistle.

“Did Conor pass the ball to Macca – so he was in a strange position!” said Slot. “It’s nice for him, his family and us, but also for the academy. Not just him… Caoimhín and Curtis were excellent. The fact that three players from the academy are doing so well is a great compliment to the academy. The penalty was a big moment for Caoimhín. You see Mbappé behind the ball and I thought what everyone thought: this will probably go in.”

Real’s manager Carlo Ancelotti said: “It’s a fair result, Liverpool deserved to win. For Mbappé it’s a difficult moment. We have to support him and give him our love, he will be fine soon.”