Xabi Alonso Admits to 'Bitter Taste' as Real Madrid Fall to Liverpool at Anfield

Xabi Alonso conceded that Real Madrid were left with a “bitter taste” following their 1-0 defeat to Liverpool in the Champions League at Anfield.

The Premier League champions, led by Arne Slot, delivered a commanding display against the La Liga leaders, earning a fully deserved victory in front of a raucous home crowd.

Mac Allister Heads Home the Winner

Alexis Mac Allister scored the only goal of the game in the 61st minute, heading in Dominik Szoboszlai’s well-delivered free-kick. The Reds could easily have extended their lead but were repeatedly denied by Thibaut Courtois, who produced several outstanding saves before finally being beaten.

The result saw Madrid drop points in the Champions League league phase for the first time this season and suffer just their second defeat in all competitions, though they remain five points clear at the top of La Liga.

Alonso Reflects on Missed Opportunities

Speaking after the match, Alonso — who famously lifted the Champions League with Liverpool in 2005 — acknowledged his team’s effort but admitted they failed to threaten effectively in the final third.

“It was a demanding game, really fast-paced,” Alonso told reporters. “We competed well but lacked a real threat. The first half was fairly even, and the second was decided by small margins.

“We started giving away too many free-kicks and the odd corner. Courtois kept us in it, but the goal gave them the edge and we struggled after that. I can’t ask for any more from my team — we tried our best. It’s still early in the Champions League, so we’ll have the chance to recover those points.”

Alonso also admitted that his side failed to cope with Liverpool’s momentum once the home supporters raised the noise inside Anfield.

“We have to learn that when the crowd get up for it, we must avoid giving away corners and free-kicks. We needed to create more opportunities. It was an intense game, but we gave away a bit too much at the start of the second half.

“They have great free-kick takers and finishers, and we made it easier for them by conceding fouls. We leave with a bitter taste after the defeat, but we’ll analyse it and turn our focus to Rayo Vallecano tomorrow.”

Alexander-Arnold Jeered on Anfield Return

The match also marked Trent Alexander-Arnold’s first return to Anfield since his controversial summer move to Real Madrid. The England international, who won eight major trophies with Liverpool, was met with loud boos when introduced from the bench in the second half — and was jeered with every touch thereafter.

Alonso, however, praised the full-back’s attitude and composure.

“It was an intense game, typical of Anfield when two top sides meet,” said Alonso. “He tried to show his qualities and his threat down the right-hand side. He’s a mature and very professional player.”

Liverpool’s victory maintained their strong start to the Champions League campaign, while Real Madrid will now look to regroup ahead of their next league fixture.