Real Madrid slammed by Spanish media as Liverpool star singled out for criticism

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Alexis Mac Allister scored the only goal of the game as Liverpool beat Real Madrid in the Champions League, and the Spanish media were left impressed by the Reds in the main.

Liverpool deserved the victory something Xabi Alonso admitted post-match — but it took a set-piece from Dominik Szoboszlai to break the deadlock. He crossed, and Mac Allister headed home.

"Arne Slot's men were vastly superior to Real Madrid, both physically and tactically, despite having only managed two wins in their last six matches," Mundo Deportivo reported. "This didn't stop [Ryan] Gravenberch from dominating the Real Madrid midfield.

"Nor did it prevent [Virgil] Van Dijk and [Conor] Bradley from forming a wall in defence, a constant nightmare for Vinicius.

"Real Madrid beat Barcelona in the last Clasico, it's true, but the overall record in these types of matches with [Alonso] on the bench remains negative.

"In fact, Atletico Madrid 's 5-2 victory in the derby in September highlighted this trend, and now Liverpool, despite the 1-0 scoreline, has confirmed it once again."

Bradley, in particular, had a very good outing in the Liverpool defense. Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, and Gravenberch were excellent, too, but the newspaper AS was not impressed by Florian Wirtz.

Alexis Mac Allister scores the opening goal for Liverpool against Real Madrid

Alexis Mac Allister scored the opening goal for Liverpool against Real Madrid

"A resounding statement of intent," it said. "Liverpool thrashed Real Madrid, a team that had scored in every match they'd played this season... except at Anfield.

"Thibaut Courtois prevented further damage, but the diminutive Mac Allister rose to the occasion to finish off a Szoboszlai cross that was practically begging to be put into the net.

"The Hungarian was the best of the home side, and Robertson was superb. Nobody missed Alisson [Becker] or [Alexander] Isak. However, Wirtz was virtually invisible, the only negative note of the night. Liverpool are back, and what a time to be reckoned with."

Wirtz created as many chances in the first half as the whole Real Madrid team combined, and he looked sharp down the left flank. This was his best performance in a Liverpool jersey to date.

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"It even seemed like they were happy with the 0-0 draw; this wasn't the Real Madrid everyone was expecting," Marca said.

"The Madrid that had been on a good run, the Madrid that was winning matches convincingly both in La Liga and in Europe, except for the Marseille game.

"It is doubtful that any Madridista was pleased with this performance, although they didn't play terribly either. No, losing 1-0 at Anfield isn't a disgraceful result, that's clear.

"But the truth is that Real Madrid didn't leave anyone happy despite losing by the narrowest of margins because they didn't play to win."

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