The difference – and perhaps the reason why this felt a still greater feat – is that Liverpool had stumbled into a potentially defining week. After six defeats in seven games, they have overcome Aston Villa, winners of one European Cup, and Real, winners of a mere 15. From the worst run of Slot’s managerial career, Liverpool delivered their best performance of the season.

Real arrived with 13 wins in 14 games this season and a 10pc in the Champions League. They departed defeated. They had scored in every game this season until they encountered Liverpool, who had spent much of the campaign looking fragile at the back. And yet, apart from a Jude Bellingham shot that Giorgi Mamardashvili repelled, Liverpool’s back-up goalkeeper could simply watch a display that suggested Liverpool are back.

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