Close match? Statistics prove Real Madrid s loss to Liverpool was worse than Madrid derby

Although Real Madrid only lost 1-0 to Liverpool at Anfield, many people compared it with the previous 1-5 defeat to Atletico Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium. However, data and facts show that although the two games have similarities, they are fundamentally different.

At the post-match press conference at Anfield, coach Xabi Alonso firmly denied this analogy: "This is a close game, and the outcome only depends on the details." He emphasized that this game is incomparable with the Madrid derby.

But the general feeling, both within the team and outside, is that without Courtois' heroic performance, Real Madrid would have left Liverpool with a wound that is difficult to heal - a tragic defeat that may have far-reaching consequences in the future. Judging from the game data, this concern seems to be closer to reality than the "even match" mentioned by Alonso.

Liverpool poses a far greater threat than Atletico Madrid.

Data shows that Liverpool's impact on Real Madrid's goal is significantly stronger than that of Atletico Madrid. Simeone's team only completed 13 shots in the game, 7 of which were on target; while Liverpool fired 17 shots, 9 of which hit the door frame, all of which were resolved by Courtois himself.

Key comparison: Courtois made 9 saves vs. only 2 in the derby

This is the core difference between the two games: Courtois. At Anfield, he faced 9 shots on target under Slott and only allowed McAllister's header to score once. The Belgian goalkeeper always seems to be more effective when facing Liverpool. In the Madrid Derby, he only made 2 saves.

Real Madrid's offense is weak, and the two games are exactly the same

Whether it is against Atletico Madrid or Liverpool, Real Madrid's offense is far from meeting people's expectations for its luxurious striker.

At Anfield, Mamardashvili made only one truly difficult save - Bellingham's near post shot in the first half; the other time was when he easily blocked Güler's long shot.

In the Wanda Metropolitano, Real Madrid only had 2 shots on target, but all of them were converted into goals.

In other words, Real Madrid's offensive efficiency was extremely low in the two games, but the contingency of "a shot on target" in the derby masked the problem.

Defensive loopholes: Anfield is even more embarrassing

Real Madrid's defense encountered a severe test at Anfield, especially the sluggish performance of new aid Huijsen, which was called the worst game since joining.

Liverpool players touched the ball 29 times in Real Madrid's penalty area, far exceeding Atletico Madrid's 21 times;

Although Real Madrid's ball possession rate at Anfield (41%) was slightly higher than the derby game (37%), the possession of the ball did not translate into control. Instead, they were repeatedly counterattacked by their opponents, directly hitting the gate guarded by Courtois.

The fans' intuitive feelings also confirm this: every time Real Madrid holds the ball, it seems to pave the way for the opponent's quick counterattack, and this sense of danger is particularly strong at Anfield.

Set-pieces have become a fatal weakness.

There is a common pain point in the two games: the set-piece defense is useless.

In the Madrid derby, Lenormand scored with a header from a cross from the wing; Soros equalized the score with a header in another corner kick; there was also a corner kick goal that was canceled by VAR.

In the Anfield battle, Liverpool's winning goal also came from a header - although the scorer McAllister was only 1.75 meters tall, Slott's players had an absolute advantage in the air for almost every set kick or cross from the wing.

This exposed Real Madrid's systemic problems in high-altitude defense and set-piece organization, and has become a breakthrough repeatedly used by opponents.

Conclusion

Although the score gap is huge (1-5 vs 1-0), both games exposed Real Madrid's deep hidden dangers on both ends of the offense and defense: the offense lacked creativity, midfield control declined, and the defense frequently lost position under high pressure. In particular, the set-piece defense was a disaster.

If Courtois hadn't turned the tide at Anfield, the result would have been disastrous. As the data reveals - it's not that the game is more "balanced", but that the goalkeeper is too brave.