Liverpool’s internationals enjoyed a positive round of World Cup qualifiers, with strong performances from Gakpo, Mac Allister, Wirtz and others offering a timely boost in confidence.

Arne Slot’s Liverpool reign faces growing scrutiny. With league form faltering and Europe offering brief relief, could the Reds already be eyeing successors if results don’t turn soon?

Liverpool take on Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium looking to close the gap on leaders Arsenal to five points

Ultimately it was not about who was back at Anfield but what was back. The Liverpool of Arne Slot’s title-winning debut season was the answer and, for the second November in succession, Real Madrid did not have one of their own. Alexis Mac Allister opened the scoring in last season’s 2-0 defeat of the Spanish giants – though giant is not an accurate description of their latest performance on Merseyside – and settled the reunion of the European heavyweights as Liverpool, all controlled aggression and clear intent, ignited their Champions League campaign and quite possibly their season. Another clean sheet and set-piece goal added to Slot’s satisfaction on a raucous, reaffirming night at Anfield. Xabi Alonso’s team were a distant second all night. Trent Alexander-Arnold, his mural near Anfield vandalised earlier in the day, entered in the 81st minute to a chorus of boos. Continue reading...

Ian Doyle with the Liverpool player ratings and scores from the Champions League clash at home to Real Madrid on Tuesday evening