UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: Slot Breaks Real Madrid Jinx

Liverpool return to the top of the Group Phase table of the UEFA Champions League with a remarkable 2-0 victory over defending champions Real Madrid. The Reds are the only side that are yet to drop a point this season and last night’s victory was savored  greatly by their fans.

Recall that Real Madrid was a turn in the flesh of Liverpool during the Jurgen Klopp era. In their last eight meetings, Liverpool lost five including two finals in 2018 and 2022.

However, Arne Slot have started his reign as Liverpool manager by breaking the Real Madrid jinx and have sounded a clear warning to all other clubs that Liverpool is gradually emerging the favorites.

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After a goalless first half, Alexis Mac Allister put the host ahead in the 52nd minute with a low shot.

Real Madrid were given a live line when Robertson fouled Lucas Vazquez and Francois Letexier wasted no time in pointing to the penalty spot. But, Kylian Mbappe’s penalty was saved by Caoimhin Kelleher in goal for Liverpool.

Similarly, Liverpool squandered their chance of going two goals up as Mohamed Salah blasted his penalty kick wide after he was fouled by Ferland Mendy in the penalty area.

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However, substitute Cody Gakpo headed the ball past Courtois in the 76th minute to give the Reds a much needed second goal that saw them see off the game with less pressure.

In other results, Red Star hammered Stuttgart 5-1 as Sturm Graz defeated Girona by a lone goal.

Aston Villa and Juventus settled their encounter goalless as Bologna lost 1-2 to Lille.

Celtic and Club Brugge settled their encounter 1-1 while Borussia Dortmund went, saw and conquered Dinamo Zagreb 3-0. Benfica defeated Monaco 3-2, the same score line with which PSV defeated Shakhtar Donetsk.