Jude Bellingham says there was no shame in losing to Liverpool but Arne Slot’s side want more after Real Madrid lost 2-0 at Anfield.
Goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo extended Liverpool’s 100% record in the Champions League and ensured their first win over Real Madrid for 15 years.
Liverpool took the lead after half-time but watched Kylian Mbappe equalize after Andy Robertson fouled Lucas Vázquez in the box. Madrid’s number nine had his penalty saved by Caoimhin Kelleher and the hosts eventually doubled their lead.
speaking T&T After the game, Bellingham said Liverpool, who play Manchester City this Sunday (live on Sky Sports), had made it difficult for his side to gain a foothold in the game.
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“To be honest, they were more ready for it than we were,” he said.
“It’s a bad result against the best performing team in Europe. There’s no shame in coming here and losing, but we’re disappointed with the way we performed.
“From the first moment they controlled the game. We never maximized the magic we had. When we got the ball back we tried too many counter-attacks.
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Paul Merson has praised Liverpool and Conor Bradley for their 2-0 win over Real Madrid in the Champions League ahead of their Premier League clash with Manchester City.
“We turned it over so many times that they were able to maintain control. Defensively, they kept us in a place where we couldn’t do them much harm.”
Mbappe’s missed penalty meant the match was lost 1-0, with the 25-year-old only having two shots on target, the only effective shot being a saved spot-kick. But Bellingham defended his team-mate and supported him to deliver a key moment for Madrid.
“The pressure is enormous because of how great he is,” he said.
“The penalty wasn’t the reason we lost the game. As a team we weren’t good enough that night. They performed better than us and it’s as simple as that.
“Killian can hold his head high and I am sure he will create many more great moments for this club.”
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Merson reacts to Real’s Kylian Mbappe and Liverpool’s Mo Salah missing penalties in the Champions League.
Slot awaits the Bradley-Konate verdict amid concerns over double injuries.
Liverpool boss Slott said he would await the verdict on Conor Bradley and Ibrahima Konate, who suffered injuries in the second half of the game against Real Madrid. Bradley was replaced by Joe Gomez after going down with hamstring pain. Konate also received treatment after the final whistle.
“I know where the pain is, but it’s hard to judge how bad or how good it is after the game,” Slott said when asked about the injury in his postgame press conference.
“This is what happens during the season. We missed Trent (Alexander-Arnold) today, we missed Jota (Diogo) today, we missed Alisson today. We miss Trent because he was on the bench. He didn’t, but he played from the beginning and missed Kostas.
“This happens throughout the season. We’re really hoping that both players can play (against Manchester City) because we want them both to be available. But if not, someone else has to step up and now As far as this season, that’s all the people I have.” You have been selected to begin.
“That will happen on Sunday as well. If they can play, and if they cannot play, other players will step up.”
SLOT: Tonight should be about the importance of Kelleher.
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Slot praised goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher for his performance in the win over Real Madrid.
Kelleher’s penalty stoppage on Mbappe put his side ahead in the game. The Liverpool goalkeeper has now saved three of the last four penalties the Reds have faced in all competitions excluding penalty shoot-outs.
His firm hand to stop Mbappe came just days after he saved a penalty against Southampton but conceded the rebound. Asked if Alisson’s form when he returned from injury made him difficult to take down, he said:
“I’ve definitely been aware of this in the past, but tonight isn’t about that. It’s a big moment for him. The penalty save was special for him. Let’s make that the headline.”
Watch Liverpool v Manchester City live on Sky Sports this Sunday at 4pm.
