Jude Bellingham: Real Madrid star says Liverpool are best performing team in Europe after Champions League defeat | Football News

Jude Bellingham said there was no shame in losing to Liverpool but suggested Arne Slot’s side wanted more of the same after Real Madrid’s 2-0 defeat at Anfield.

Goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo extended Liverpool’s 100 percent Champions League record while securing their first win in 15 years against Real Madrid.

Liverpool took the lead after the break but watched as Kylian Mbappe had a chance to equalize after Andy Robertson fouled Lucas Vasquez in the penalty area. Madrid’s number 9 saw his penalty saved by Caoimhin Kelleher before the hosts eventually doubled their lead.

In conversation with TNT After the game, Bellingham said Liverpool, who face Manchester City live on Sky Sports this Sunday, had made it difficult for his team to gain a foothold in the game.

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“To be honest, they were more willing to do it than we were,” he said.

“It’s a bad result against the best performing team in Europe. There’s no shame in coming here and losing, but we’re disappointed with the way we performed.”

“From the first minute they took control of the game. We never really took advantage of the moments we had the ball. When we got the ball back, we tried to force a counter-attack a few too many times.”

“We shot it so many times that they managed to stay in control. Defensively, they kept us in a spot where we couldn’t do as much damage to them.”

Mbappe’s missed penalty leveled the game 0-1, adding to a disappointing performance from the 25-year-old in which he only had two shots and the only one on target was the penalty saved. However, Bellingham defended his teammate and helped him create big moments for Madrid.

“The pressure he puts on because he is so good is enormous,” he said.

“The penalty is not the reason why we lost the game. As a team we weren’t good enough that night. They performed better than us and it’s as simple as that.”

“Kylian can hold his head high. I know for sure that he will create many more great moments for this club.”

Slot awaits Bradley-Konate’s verdict after double injury concerns

Liverpool coach Slot says the club will wait for a verdict on Conor Bradley and Ibrahima Konate after the pair suffered late injuries against Real. Bradley was replaced by Joe Gomez after he went down with hamstring soreness. Konate also received treatment after the final whistle.

When asked about their injuries during his post-game press conference, Slot said: “I know where they’re hurting, but it’s hard to judge how bad or how good it is so soon after the game.”

“This happens during a season. We missed Trent (Alexander-Arnold) today, we missed (Diogo) Jota today, we missed Alisson today. We didn’t miss Trent because he was on the bench, but he couldn’t play from the start, but we missed Kostas.

“That happens over the course of a season. I really hope that both of them are ready to play (against Manchester City) because we want them all to be available, but if not, someone else has to step in and so far this season everyone I have (has) has them to start selected file was displayed.

“That will also happen on Sunday. If they can play, but even if they can’t play, others will step in.”

Slot: Tonight should be about Kelleher’s importance

Kelleher’s penalty against Mbappe ensured his team stayed ahead in the game. The Liverpool goalkeeper has now saved three of the last four penalties he has faced for Liverpool in all competitions (excluding shooting).

His firm hand in keeping Mbappe out comes just days after he saved a penalty against Southampton but conceded the rebound. Asked if his form would make it difficult for him to miss out when Alisson returns from injury, he said:

“I have made this clear in the past. But that’s not what it’s about tonight. It’s a big moment for him. The penalty saved was special for him. These should be the headlines.”

Watch the match between Liverpool and Manchester City live on Sky Sports this Sunday at 4pm.