Liverpool’s win over Real Madrid means something has happened for very first time in Champions League history

Real Madrid, a club celebrated for its unparalleled success in the Champions League, finds itself navigating unfamiliar and troubling waters this season. Wednesday’s 2-0 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield not only marked another low in a faltering campaign but also set an unwelcome precedent: for the first time in their history, Real Madrid has lost three group-stage matches in a single Champions League season.

With only two wins from five games, the reigning European champions sit precariously in 24th place in the standings, a position far removed from their usual dominance. Their path to the knockout stages is fraught with uncertainty, a stark contrast to the club’s traditional assurance on the European stage.

The decline began in October, when a 2-1 loss to Lille at the Pierre-Mauroy Stadium ended Madrid’s unbeaten run in the competition, stretching back to May 2023. This early setback shattered their aura of invincibility and foreshadowed the challenges ahead. Weeks later, AC Milan dealt another blow with a commanding 3-1 victory at the Santiago Bernabéu, exposing Madrid’s defensive frailties and raising serious questions about their resilience under pressure.

The most recent chapter in this turbulent campaign unfolded at Anfield, where Liverpool capitalized on Madrid’s struggles with a clinical display. Goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Mohamed Salah secured the Premier League leaders their first win over Real Madrid since 2009, ending an eight-match winless streak against the Spanish giants. The result also cemented Liverpool’s status as one of Europe’s most formidable teams this season.

For Real Madrid, the defeat was a glaring indicator of the distance between their current form and the lofty standards they are known for. Carlo Ancelotti, under mounting pressure, faces the monumental task of salvaging a campaign that has already veered off course. With their position in the standings leaving no room for error, Madrid’s chances of advancing in the competition grow slimmer with each misstep.

Liverpool’s victory, meanwhile, not only strengthened their grip at the top of the group but also served as a symbolic turning point in their rivalry with Madrid. For Los Blancos, however, this season threatens to be remembered as one of their most forgettable in Champions League history unless a dramatic turnaround can be orchestrated. As the final group-stage matches approach, the team stands on the brink, needing nothing short of a resurgence to restore their reputation as Europe’s ultimate footballing powerhouse.