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

Jude Bellingham said it was no shame to lose to Liverpool but said Arne Slott’s side wanted more following Real Madrid’s 2-0 defeat at Anfield.

Goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo extended Liverpool’s record to 100 per cent in the Champions League and secured their first win in 15 years against Real Madrid.

Liverpool took the lead after the break, but looked on when Kylian Mbappe got the better of Andy Robertson when he collided with Lucas Vasquez in the box. Madrid’s number 9 saw his penalty saved by Caoimhin Kelleher before the hosts extended their lead.

Talking with The cost of TNT After the game, Bellingham said Liverpool, who face Manchester City this Sunday – live on Sky Sports – had made it difficult for his team to reach the game.

“They were more important than us to be honest,” he said.

“It’s a bad result against the best team in Europe, it’s not a shame to come here and lose but we’re disappointed with the way we’ve done it.

“From the first minute, they controlled the game. We didn’t go too far in the game we had. When we got the ball back we tried to force the opposition a few times.

“We turned it over so much that they were able to dominate. Defensively, they kept us in a position where we couldn’t hurt them too much.”

Mbappe’s missed penalty to put the game 1-0 down, added to a subpar display from the 25-year-old which saw him have just two shots and one of which was a save. However, Bellingham protected his teammate and helped him to give big moments in Madrid.

“The pressure he has because of how big he is, it’s easy,” he said.

“The penalty didn’t cost us the game. As a team we didn’t do well last night, they outplayed us and it’s as simple as that.

“Kylian can hold his head high. I know for sure he’s going to pull off a lot of big-time hits on the team.”

Slot is waiting for Bradley-Konate’s decision after two injuries

The coach of Liverpool Slot said that the team is waiting for a decision on Conor Bradley and Ibrahima Konate after the two injured late against Real. Bradley was replaced by Joe Gomez after he went down with pain in his hip. Konate got help again after the final whistle.

When asked about his injuries in his press conference after the game Slot said: “I know where he feels the pain, but how it is or how difficult it is to judge so close after the game.

“That’s what happens in the season. We missed Trent [Alexander-Arnold] today, we missed it [Diogo] Jota today, we lost 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.

“This happens for a long time. I hope they can both play [against Manchester City] because we want all of them to be available, but if there is no one who has to go up to this point this season, everyone who is me [have] selected to start is displayed.

“That’s what will happen on Sunday, if he can play and if he can’t then others will step up.”

Chances: Tonight should be important for Kelleher

Kelleher’s penalty save against Mbappe ensured his side would stay ahead of the game. The Liverpool goalkeeper has now saved three of his last four penalties for Liverpool in all competitions, including shootouts.

His strong hand to keep Mbappe out comes just days after he had a penalty suspended at Southampton but agreed to a replay. When asked if his form made it difficult for him to fall after Alisson returned from injury, he said:

“I’ve been clear about it in the past. But tonight is not the same. It’s a big moment for him. The penalty save was special for him.

Watch Liverpool take on Manchester City live on Sky Sports this Sunday, from 4pm.