Slot in dreamland as Liverpool remain perfect with Madrid win

Arne Slot could not have predicted such a remarkable start to Liverpool’s campaign, the Reds boss admitted after Wednesday’s 2-0 win over Real Madrid.

The Reds are the only side to remain perfect in the Champions League this season, winning all five games after their battling victory over the defending champions at Anfield.

Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo were both on target in the second half as Liverpool triumphed in all five of their opening games to a European campaign for the first time since the 2021-22 season.

Liverpool also sit eight points clear at the Premier League summit, and Slot denies having any targets – but acknowledged his side are well ahead of his expectations.

“I didn’t have a schedule in terms of the amount of points I wanted,” Slot told TNT Sports. “You want to implement the playing style as soon as possible.

“That is not difficult because it wasn’t that different to Jurgen’s [Klopp]. It is great to see not only the starters but the players coming on are doing as we expected.

“If before the season I had counted points for this point in the season, I wouldn’t have done as much as we have now.”

Liverpool ended an eight-game winless streak in European action against Madrid, who had won seven of those fixtures.

UP THE REDS #UCL pic.twitter.com/xF9gcTmMFe

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) November 27, 2024

“You know how special it is to play against a team that has won the Champions League so many times,” the Dutchman added.

“They were a pain in the ass for Liverpool for many years too. It is a big week, and it is pleasing to see.”

It could have been a different story, though, if not for Caoimhin Kelleher saving Kylian Mbappe’s penalty with the score at 1-0.

In a strange turn of events, Mohamed Salah then also missed from the spot, which was just his second failed attempt from seven penalty efforts in the competition.

“In both situations, you think it is probably going to go in,” Slot said of the penalty misses. “Both missed, so they showed us today they are both human beings.”

Kelleher has now saved three of his four penalties faced for Liverpool in all competitions, excluding shoot-outs, and has provided stern competition for Alisson ahead of his return from injury.

“In Mbappe’s case, Kelleher was outstanding,” Slot said. “He has done remarkable for us, just like our other goalkeeper who has been remarkable too.”

Liverpool next turn their attention to another gigantic clash with Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday.