Xabi Alonso’s return to Anfield as Real Madrid manager was meant to be an evening of nostalgia and control, yet he departed with regret and reflection. His side suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat in the Champions League, with Liverpool asserting their authority under Arne Slot. The result was a reminder of how far the Premier League champions have progressed under their Dutch manager, while Real Madrid, unbeaten in Europe until this point, were left nursing frustration.

Alexis Mac Allister’s decisive header in the 61st minute, following a perfectly weighted free-kick from Dominik Szoboszlai, gave the Reds a deserved victory. The goal finally broke the resistance of Thibaut Courtois, who had been outstanding throughout the match, denying Liverpool several times before being beaten.

Real Madrid had enjoyed a strong start to their Champions League campaign, but they were blunted by Liverpool’s energy and structure. Alonso’s side failed to find rhythm in attack, managing only flashes of their usual fluency. Madrid dropped points in Europe for the first time this season, marking only their second defeat in all competitions.

Reflecting on the performance, Alonso acknowledged that his team struggled to cope with Liverpool’s intensity, particularly when the Anfield crowd found its voice. “It was a demanding game, really fast-paced. We competed well but we lacked a real threat. The first half was fairly evenly matched and the second was decided by small margins,” said the former Liverpool midfielder.

Anfield Atmosphere Proves Decisive

Liverpool’s second-half display was defined by control and composure. Once the crowd sensed weakness, the pressure became relentless. Alonso admitted that Real Madrid’s discipline faltered at key moments. “We started giving away too many free-kicks and the odd corner. Courtois kept us in it there. The goal gave them the edge and then we struggled a bit after that. I can’t ask for any more from my team. We tried our best,” he said.

He went on to underline how Anfield’s intensity can overwhelm opponents if allowed to build. “We have to learn that when they put the pressure on, which can happen when the crowd get up for it, we have to avoid giving away corners and free-kicks. We needed to create more opportunities. It was an intense game. We gave away a little bit too much at the start of the second half, we gifted them too many chances. It was avoidable. We should have been higher up, and they have great free-kick takers and finishers. They created a lot of chances because we gave away too many fouls.”One of the night’s most anticipated moments came when Trent Alexander-Arnold, once Liverpool’s homegrown hero, entered the pitch as a Real Madrid substitute. His reception was predictably hostile. Booed when brought on and jeered with each touch, the right-back faced a chorus of reminders of what he left behind. Alonso, though, defended his player’s character. “It was an intense game, typical of Anfield against two top sides. He tried to show his qualities, his threat down the right-hand side. He’s a mature and very professional guy.”

Alonso, who lifted the Champions League in 2005 as a Liverpool player, will know better than most what Anfield nights can do to even the most composed of teams. “We leave with a bitter taste in our mouths with the defeat. We have to analyse it and start thinking about Rayo tomorrow,” he concluded.

Liverpool, meanwhile, continue to look every inch the side that conquered the Premier League last season, playing with belief, structure and a sense of purpose that has quickly become synonymous with Slot’s leadership.