Liverpool manager Arne Slot has defended Mohamed Salah and Kylian Mbappe after their penalty misses in the Champions League.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has defended Kylian Mbappe and Mohamed Salah following their penalty misses during a crucial Champions League clash against Real Madrid at Anfield.
The match ended in a 2-0 victory for Liverpool, marking a significant moment as they maintained their perfect record in the tournament on Wednesday night.
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The game was pivotal for both teams, with Liverpool seeking to solidify their standing at the top of the group while Real Madrid aimed to recover from a shaky start to their Champions League campaign.
World Cup winner with Argentina Alexis Mac Allister opened the scoring for Liverpool shortly after halftime, setting the stage for a tense finish.
As the match progressed, both superstars faced high-pressure situations from the penalty spot. Mbappe had a chance to equalise when Real Madrid was awarded a penalty after a foul in the box.
However, his shot was saved by Liverpool's goalkeeper, Caoimhin Kelleher. Salah then had an opportunity to score from the spot to double the Reds’ lead but fired his attempt off target, further compounding the disappointment for fans of both clubs.
In his post-match comments, Slot emphasised the human aspect of these moments in his defence for both players.
“Both showed today that they’re human beings,” the Dutchman told UEFA.com moments after the game.
“In Mbappé’s case, Kelleher was outstanding. He has done remarkably for us, just like our other goalkeeper [Alisson Becker], who has been remarkable too,” he added.
This acknowledgment reflects not only the pressure that comes with playing at such a high level but also highlights Kelleher's impressive performance in goal following Becker’s injury.
Despite their individual struggles, Liverpool's victory was comprehensive, with Cody Gakpo sealing the win with a second goal late in the match. The victory is particularly sweet for Slot and his squad, as they exacted revenge on Real Madrid, who had previously dominated encounters between the two clubs.
The loss leaves Real Madrid in a precarious position in their group standings, currently sitting 24th and facing an uphill battle to secure advancement to the knockout stages.
In contrast, Liverpool’s confidence is soaring as they prepare for an upcoming Premier League showdown against Manchester City, further solidifying their status as one of Europe’s top teams this season.