Liverpool 1-0 Real Madrid: Wirtz – Ekitike unlocks the defense
Mac Allister headed home in the 60th minute to help Liverpool beat Real Madrid 1-0 at Anfield, but the Wirtz-Ekitike connection was the tactical highlight.
In the 60th minute at Anfield, Alexis Mac Allister rose high to head in the only goal, sealing a 1-0 win for Liverpool over Real Madrid. But that decisive moment was only the tip of the iceberg; what reignited optimism in the Champions League was the increasingly clear line of communication between Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike.
Wirtz – Ekitike: soft but penetrating drill
Liverpool started the game proactively, especially in the first half. Deployed to start on the left flank in place of Cody Gakpo, Wirtz acted as a rhythmic trigger to unlock Real Madrid's defense. He kept the rhythm, stretched the opponent's midfield and created attacking situations aimed at the defenders' flanks.
Ekitike didn’t score, but he was there as a connecting link. All three shots came after runs that opened up space, and when he dropped deep, he gave the ball back to his teammates to run forward. A rhythm with Wirtz gradually emerged: one holding the ball, the other dragging defenders out of position. That understanding helped Liverpool maintain pressure and control transitions.
Victory is determined by details
Mac Allister’s goal was a reward for his tenacity and the care with which he took his time. With the intensity maintained, the passes were directed into the space behind the Real Madrid full-back, creating a good enough angle for the Argentine midfielder to head in. From there, Liverpool dropped back, but with enough discipline to maintain their lead.
Selected statistics from Sofascore
The numbers make clear the value of Wirtz – Ekitike in the attacking structure:
| Index | Florian Wirtz | Hugo Ekitike |
|---|---|---|
| Successful passes (total) | 31/35 | - |
| Successful pass on the opponent's side | 20/25 | 12/14 |
| A clear dangerous opportunity is created. | 1 | - |
| Finish | 0 | 3 |
| Through successful people | 2/2 | - |
According to Sofascore, Wirtz did not finish but directly affected the way Liverpool advanced the ball in Real Madrid's half. On the opposite wing, Federico Valverde often had to drop low or block Wirtz's attack. With Ekitike, 12/14 successful passes in Real Madrid's half showed the ability to keep the rhythm and handle in tight areas.
Options for Arne Slot
Coach Arne Slot can use Wirtz and Ekitike more in the upcoming matches, because the foundation of connection is what Liverpool lacks when Alexander Isak has not reached his peak form. The Swedish star - the Reds' record signing last summer - has only played 429 minutes, scored 1 goal and had 1 assist. In the same context of tactical change, Ekitike has had a hand in 7 goals after 946 minutes of play - an encouraging performance.
Why this couple is important
Wirtz helps Liverpool control the tempo between zones, while Ekitike unlocks space with intelligent movement. They don’t need to be brilliant every game, but the consistency of their connection helps the attacking system run more smoothly: passing from the flanks, running to open up the middle, then switching lanes at the right time.
Impact on the race
The 1-0 win over Real Madrid was not just a morale boost. In the Champions League, Liverpool are currently sixth with three wins from four, with nine points, three points behind Bayern Munich and Arsenal – the two leaders. In the Premier League, the Reds are third, seven points behind Arsenal in first place.
If Wirtz and Ekitike can maintain their pace and improve their domestic form, Liverpool have a chance to keep up. In a tough season, a fundamental partnership can make the difference in big games – as they did against Real Madrid.
