Liverpool 2-0 Real Madrid: Kylian Mbappe and Mo Salah miss penalties as Cody Gakpo and Alexis Mac Allister score

With a thrilling but well-earned 2-0 victory over defending champion Real Madrid at Anfield, Liverpool preserved their undefeated start to this season's Champions League.

Alexis Mac Allister and substitute Cody Gakpo's goals in the second half demonstrated the Reds' superiority, while the drama between came from Mohamed Salah's missed penalty kick and Caoimhin Kelleher's penalty save against Kylian Mbappe.

Carlo Ancelotti's team has already lost three of their five games in the competition, putting them in a perilous position.

Slot's Liverpool is not concerned with such things. With 17 victories from 19 games in all competitions under the Dutchman, they are unquestionably leading the table.

Bradley's momentous evening
Mbappe eventually broke free and was sprinting towards Liverpool's goal in the 32nd minute of play. Bradley comes in.

A guttural roar followed the youthful full-back's superbly timed tackle in front of the Kop, bringing the entire stadium to its feet.

This had previously been determined to be the main battle of the game. Due to Vinicius Junior's injury, Mbappe was certain to start on the left. Liverpool's first-choice right-back, Trent Alexander-Arnold, was forced to the bench due to his fitness concerns.

Mbappe eventually moved to the middle away from Bradley after he won the match, which Anfield simply loved. Following the tackle, the crowd yelled his name, which caused the game's momentum to change.

He could have scored himself, but Thibaut Courtois stopped him from heading the ball, and Mac Allister's assist was well-executed. Mbappe was even the victim of another tackle in the sequence leading up to Salah's penalty.

But it all started with the first tackle. It was a unique occasion that might have solidified its position in the Bradley narrative already. Additionally, he hopes it will help solidify his position on this club.

Slot: This is more points than I anticipated.

Arne Slot, manager of Liverpool, stated:

"I wouldn't say it's the same as any other one because you know how unique it is to play against a team that has won the Champions League numerous times, is currently the defending champion, has dominated Europe in recent years, and has frequently been a thorn in Liverpool's rear end.

"We were aware that this week was significant, but if it ends, it will be another significant week. It was satisfying to see both the outcome and our style of play.

"As far as the number of points was concerned, I had no schedule. You want to start playing your style of play as soon as possible if you start at a new club. Since the playing style is so close to Jurgen's, especially when the ball is not used, that wasn't too hard.

"You don't count points before the season but if I was going to I probably wouldn't have counted as many as I have now."

Regarding Bradley and Ibrahima Konate's potential injuries: "It's hard to make a snap judgement so soon after the game. It would be much appreciated if both could play [against Manchester City].

Bellingham: More was desired by Liverpool.

Jude Bellingham of Real Madrid stated:

To be honest, they were more interested in it than we were, which is somewhat disheartening.

"It's a poor outcome against Europe's top-performing squad. Although losing here is hardly a dishonour, we are unhappy with our performance.

Ancelotti: Mbappe is not to blame for missing
Carlo Ancelotti, the manager of Real Madrid, stated:

"It's a fair outcome; Liverpool earned the victory. They play with a lot of intensity, are in excellent form, and have a really nice dynamic. We held them, set up as a team, and attempted to generate our own opportunities in the first half, but we made poor choices in the second half.

"We battled all the way to the penalty point. Up to that moment, we competed well, but we must continue to be competitive and fight for everything. Of course, there are things we need to do better, and we will.

Regarding Kylian Mbappe: "As a striker, you want to score and gain some confidence, and this has happened numerous times in my career. We must love him and support him throughout this trying time. He'll be all right soon.

It can be a lack of self-assurance. When things aren't going your way, it's best to keep things straightforward and avoid making life too complicated. You shouldn't hold him responsible for missing penalties because it happens frequently.

Analysis: Liverpool continues to do well.

Even Slot had advocated for prudence in the early going of the season, given Liverpool's promising start, let alone the more doubtful onlookers.

Up until the middle of October, the fixture list had been favourable. It was said that more tests were ahead.

Well, Chelsea lost to Liverpool. They managed to escape losing when they visited Arsenal. The 4-0 thumping of Bayer Leverkusen in Europe was followed by the dismissal of the league leaders, Real Madrid.

Another test was successful. There will be another. However, Slot's team has a fantastic opportunity this Sunday against Pep Guardiola's struggling Manchester City.

Leading the Champions League table by two points. Eleven points clear of City at the top of the Premier League table if they win at the weekend.

They appear to be England's best team. They may also be the top team in Europe based on this evidence.