Liverpool player ratings vs Real Madrid: Surprise star lands 9/10 as Mohamed Salah falters

A gritty first-half saw the two European juggernauts cancel each other but that changed after the break when Alexis Mac Allister opened the scoring following a brilliant team move.

Liverpool doubled the lead through Cody Gakpo, who came off the bench to head home from a well-worked set-piece routine.

In between the goals, there was plenty of drama as both clubs missed penalties - Kylian Mbappe for Real Madrid and Mohamed Salah for Liverpool.

Both players might be their respective clubs' poster-boys - but had tough evenings on Wednesday - so, how did the rest of them get on?

Kelleher: 8 - Had nothing to do all game - until Mbappe stepped up to the penalty spot. But that did not faze the goalkeeper, who palmed the Frenchman's spot-kick away with ease.

Bradley: 9 - a perfect sliding tackle saw Anfield erupt, a brilliant defensive performance against one of the best in the world in Mbappe - and also delivered the assist with a subtle one-touch pass to Mac Allister.

Konate: 7 - An absolute wall. Liverpool's defensive record has been stunning this season - having let in just nine all season and one in the Champions League - and Konate is one of the main reasons.

Van Dijk: 7 - Cool, calm, composed, three words that sum up the Dutchman throughout his Liverpool career and Wednesday night was no different.

Robertson: 5 - No one can doubt the Scotsman's spirit but a rash challenge on Lucas Vazquez gave Real a penalty - needed to show more experience there.

Gravenberch: 6 - An early booking stifled his performance somewhat but it is easy to see why Slot loves him in the No. 6 role, keeps everything ticking over.

Mac Allister: 7 - With Gravenberch locking down midfield, it gave the World Cup winner license to venture forward - which he took sublime advantage of by scoring early in the second half.

Jones: 5 - In the midst of an excellent season, and showed plenty of grit, but not many midfielders come up against Luka Modric and get the better of him, tonight was no different.

Mohamed Salah: 5 - Liverpool's superstar this season and, after a quiet first-half, came alive when he turned Ferland Mendy inside-out to win a penalty, but he thrashed it wildly wide.

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Darwin Nunez: 7 - Has plenty of critics but my word, he is entertaining. Involved in most of Liverpool's best attacks and gave Madrid a myriad of problems.

Luis Diaz: 4 - Largely anonymous and shackled by Real Madrid's excellent Fede Valverde. Liverpool needed more from the left-hand side in attack but were found wanting.

Subs: Cody Gakpo - 7, scored the goal to make sure of Liverpool's win. Dominik Szoboszlai - N/a.