Liverpool’s 2-0 triumph over Real Madrid at Anfield in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday night has sent shockwaves through European football, with TNT Sports pundit Rio Ferdinand declaring them “the best team in Europe” following their impressive performance. The win, which featured goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo, showcased Liverpool’s relentless intensity, earning high praise for their hunger and work rate. Meanwhile, Gareth Bale has expressed confidence that Kylian Mbappe will soon return to his best form, despite another difficult night for the French forward.
Liverpool’s victory over the reigning European champions cemented their position as one of the continent’s top teams, according to Ferdinand, who described the Reds as “Rottweilers” on the hunt. The performance, particularly in the second half, saw Liverpool press high and dominate Real Madrid, leaving little room for their opponents to breathe.
‘Rottweilers’ on the Hunt: Liverpool’s Hungry Performance
The match saw Liverpool continue their perfect start to the Champions League campaign, with five wins from five matches in the group stage. Despite missing two penalties—one from Mohamed Salah and one from Kylian Mbappe—the Reds were dominant throughout, proving they have the quality and desire to compete at the highest level.
Ferdinand, speaking as part of TNT Sports’ live coverage, was effusive in his praise of Liverpool’s approach: “They’ve put the gauntlet down to all the other teams in Europe,” he said. “They look like the best team in Europe at the moment. They are playing as a team; they look like they have the hungriest individuals about. They’re not only getting the results, but they look starving. They look like they haven’t been fed for ages.”
Ferdinand likened Liverpool’s style of play to that of a pack of “Rottweilers,” relentlessly hunting their prey. He highlighted the composed finishing of players like Salah, who sealed the game when given the chance, as evidence of Liverpool’s killer instinct.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot, in his first season at the helm, has already proven himself with a string of positive results, including this statement win over the Champions League holders. Ferdinand remarked, “Arne Slot would have liked what his team can produce in a game of this magnitude, and he got a very positive answer tonight.”
Mbappe’s Struggles Continue, But Bale Stands by His Former Teammate
While the atmosphere at Anfield was jubilant, it was a disappointing night for Real Madrid, who were unable to respond after falling behind to Liverpool. Madrid’s defensive issues were evident once again, and their star forward, Kylian Mbappe, struggled to make an impact. The French international missed a crucial penalty in the second half, with Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher saving his attempt when the score was still 1-0.
Despite Mbappe’s ongoing struggles, former Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale defended his former teammate, insisting that it’s only a matter of time before Mbappe finds his form. “It does happen,” said Bale. “I’ve missed penalties, everyone has missed penalties. It’s just unfortunate that at the moment it’s not quite going Mbappe’s way.”
Bale, who was known for his own resilience during his time at Madrid, added, “But I think on his day he’s the best in the world. It’s just a matter of time before he comes good.”
Bale’s Praise, McManaman’s Criticism
While Bale showed faith in Mbappe’s ability to recover, former Real Madrid midfielder Steve McManaman took a more critical stance. Speaking after the match, McManaman expressed disappointment in Mbappe’s performance, particularly given the circumstances. “They needed him tonight,” said McManaman. “Without Vinicius [Junior], without some of the other stars, they needed him to do something. He flattered to deceive tonight.”
McManaman pointed out that this was an opportunity for Mbappe to step up in the absence of several key players, and the pressure from the Madrid press would be intense following another underwhelming performance from the forward. “That was his moment, and the Madrid press will be ruthless tomorrow because he didn’t deliver again when he needed to,” McManaman added.
Looking Ahead: Liverpool’s Perfect Record, Real’s Title Defense in Trouble
Liverpool’s commanding win over Real Madrid marks another high point in their impressive start to the season. Domestically, they lead the Premier League by eight points and will look to extend that lead when they host Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday.
For Real Madrid, however, the result has added to concerns over their form in the Champions League. With just two wins from five matches, the defending champions are in danger of failing to top their group and face a struggle to maintain their title defense. With Mbappe still searching for his best form, Madrid will need a swift turnaround if they are to remain contenders both domestically and in Europe.
As Liverpool continue to shine, and as Bale backs Mbappe to rebound, the race for European supremacy is heating up, with both teams under the spotlight as the Champions League group stage nears its conclusion.
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