Liverpool are the only team with a perfect record in this season's Champions League after defeating reigning champions Real Madrid 2-0 in their heavyweight clash on Wednesday. Last season's runners-up, Borussia Dortmund, were among the other notable winners of the night.

The showdown at Anfield saw Real Madrid attempting to extend their unbeaten run of eight matches against Liverpool. However, Arne Slot's Premier League leaders proved too strong, with Alexis Mac Allister opening the scoring early in the second half.

Kylian Mbappé endured a frustrating evening, missing a chance to equalise for Real Madrid when his penalty was saved after an hour. Mohamed Salah also missed from the spot at the other end, but substitute Cody Gakpo headed in Liverpool's second goal in the 76th minute.

Liverpool remain the only team with five wins from five matches in this revamped Champions League format and are now assured of advancing to at least the knockout phase play-offs in February.

“You know how special it is to play against a club that has won this Champions League so many times, are the reigning champions, and have been a pain for Liverpool on many occasions,” said Slot.

Real Madrid have now lost three of their five matches. With six points, they occupy 24th place, the final qualifying position for the knockout phase.

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti offered words of support for Mbappé, saying: “This is a difficult moment for Kylian. We will stand by him and give him the encouragement he needs.”

Dortmund Shine, Villa and Juventus Stalemate

Inter Milan are second in the standings on 13 points, followed by Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund, both on 12. The German side secured a comfortable 3-0 victory against Dinamo Zagreb in Croatia.

A stunning goal from English youngster Jamie Bynoe-Gittens gave Dortmund a first-half lead, with Ramy Bensebaini heading in a second on 56 minutes. Substitute Serhou Guirassy sealed the win late on.

Meanwhile, Aston Villa hosted Juventus after enduring six matches without a win in all competitions despite beginning their Champions League campaign with three straight victories. The match ended 0-0, with Villa being denied a stoppage-time winner when Morgan Rogers' goal was disallowed for a foul on Juventus goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio.

Villa are currently just outside the top eight places that grant direct access to the round of 16. They are one of seven teams tied on 10 points with three fixtures remaining.

Monaco Miss Opportunity, Lille Impress

Monaco failed to solidify their position in the top eight, losing 3-2 at home to Benfica in a dramatic encounter. Eliesse Ben Seghir gave Monaco an early lead, but a defensive error allowed Vangelis Pavlidis to equalise shortly after the break.

Monaco were reduced to 10 men when Wilfried Singo was sent off for a second yellow card. Despite Soungoutou Magassa restoring their lead, Benfica capitalised on their numerical advantage with Arthur Cabral heading in on 84 minutes and Zeki Amdouni snatching a late winner.

Elsewhere, Lille edged closer to securing at least a play-off spot by defeating Bologna 2-1 in Italy. Belgian midfielder Ngal’ayel Mukau scored both goals for the French side, including the decisive strike in the 66th minute after Colombian defender Jhon Lucumí had equalised.

PSV’s Remarkable Comeback

Celtic and Club Brugge remain on course for the play-offs after a 1-1 draw in Glasgow. Daizen Maeda’s spectacular goal secured a point for Celtic, who had earlier fallen behind to a Cameron Carter-Vickers own goal.

However, the most dramatic comeback of the night came from PSV Eindhoven, who recovered from a 2-0 deficit to defeat Shakhtar Donetsk 3-2. The Ukrainians led at half-time through goals from Danylo Sikan and Oleksandr Zubkov, but a red card for Brazilian defender Pedro Henrique in the 69th minute turned the tide.

Malik Tillman scored twice in the closing minutes, including a stunning long-range strike, before Ricardo Pepi netted the winner deep into injury time.

Other Results

Red Star Belgrade claimed their first points of the competition with a stunning 5-1 victory over Stuttgart in Serbia. Ermedin Demirović gave the visitors an early lead, but goals from Silas Katompa Mvumpa, Rade Krunić, Mirko Ivanić, and a brace from Nemanja Radonjić secured a dominant win.

Austrian champions Sturm Graz also got off the mark with a 1-0 victory over Girona, courtesy of a Mika Biereth goal.