Liverpool‘s Anfield Roar Exposes Cracks in Alonso’s Real Madrid Machine
(Carlos Mendes – November 6, 2025)
Liverpool delivered a statement victory against Real Madrid on Tuesday night, a 1-0 win at anfield that wasn’t just about the result, but how they achieved it. While the Reds had been struggling for consistency – entering the match with only two wins in their last eight – they showcased a tactical resilience and attacking intent that rattled the previously near-flawless Real Madrid. this victory isn’t just a boost for Arne Slot; it’s the first real indication he’s unlocking the potential within his squad, and a worrying sign for a new-look Los Blancos.
The match hinged on a beautifully delivered free-kick from Dominik Szoboszlai, finding Alexis Mac Allister for the decisive goal. But beyond the set-piece brilliance, Liverpool’s dominance stemmed from a cohesive defensive structure and a willingness to challenge Madrid’s star power. This wasn’t a smash-and-grab; it was a calculated dismantling of a team many considered unbeatable.
Xabi Alonso‘s Real Madrid,boasting a formidable attack spearheaded by Kylian Mbappe,Vinicius Junior,and Jude Bellingham,had been on a remarkable run. Tuesday’s defeat was only their second of the season. Yet,at Anfield,the famed efficiency and control seemed… absent. Madrid managed a paltry two shots on target and a meager 0.46 expected goals. The star-studded lineup,for all its individual brilliance,appeared disjointed and unable to break down Liverpool’s determined defense.
The disconnect wasn’t simply a defensive masterclass from Liverpool.It was a failure of Madrid’s attack to react intelligently to the situation, a point expertly highlighted by Thierry Henry during post-match analysis.
“I do not understand. You have to play what you have in front of you. You have to play the moment and even if there is no one in the box, at least the team whent 30 yards back. Then you can give the ball to your midfielder that maybe will have a strike outside of the box but I don’t know when,sometimes,try to be cute when they don’t need to be cute. if there is space, just give the ball.Sometimes it’s too scripted. You have a go. At the beginning,for example,we talked about it – Vinicius Junior had Conor Bradley in the first five to seven minutes and then you let him breathe. Why’d you let him breathe? Have a go up until he gets a yellow,then you can’t defend the same way.”
Henry’s critique centered on Vinicius Junior, whose decision-making proved particularly frustrating. Despite being given space early on against Conor Bradley, Vinicius repeatedly opted for intricate, ultimately unproductive passes instead of exploiting the 1-v-1 opportunities.
“Vinicius Junior received the ball in a 1-v-1 after having a good battle in the first five minutes against Conor Bradley and he passed it back to his left back to receive it back and it was a 1-v-3. Then he attacked 1-v-3 and I’m like, wait, do the math. You had a 1-v-1. Try to see what you can do with that one. Why are you recycling the ball for it to come back to you to play 1-v-3.I just don’t get it at times.”
While Vinicius hasn’t been a guaranteed starter under Alonso,often rotated to manage workload,his performance against Liverpool,particularly in a crucial Champions League fixture,raises questions. His tendency towards overthinking, rather than instinctive attacking play, proved costly.
this isn’t to suggest Real Madrid’s season is in jeopardy. One defeat won’t derail their Champions League ambitions, nor has their earlier loss to
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