Anfield was alive with anticipation long before kickoff. The sea of red scarves and the thunderous roar of the Kop set the stage for yet another chapter in one of modern football’s fiercest rivalries — Liverpool versus Manchester City.
Pep Guardiola’s side arrived composed and confident, their warm-up routines crisp and calculated. On the other hand, Jürgen Klopp’s men were driven by passion and determination, ready to fight for every ball. It was a meeting of two footballing philosophies — precision versus intensity.
First Half: Ferocious Football
From the opening whistle, both teams played at an incredible tempo. City controlled possession in the early stages, with Rodri dictating the flow and Kevin De Bruyne threading passes between Liverpool’s defensive lines.
In the 18th minute, De Bruyne found Erling Haaland with a perfectly weighted through ball. The striker burst past Ibrahima Konaté and fired low toward the far corner — only for Alisson’s fingertips to divert the shot onto the post. The Anfield crowd erupted as if it were a goal for the home side.
Moments later, Liverpool countered with trademark speed. Dominik Szoboszlai drove through midfield and released Mohamed Salah down the right. The Egyptian delivered a pinpoint cross for Darwin Núñez, who rose above Ruben Dias to head home.
Liverpool 1–0 Manchester City.
Anfield exploded, and Klopp celebrated with his trademark fist pumps on the touchline.
City soon responded with relentless pressure. In the 42nd minute, Bernardo Silva’s dazzling footwork created space for Phil Foden, who unleashed a superb strike into the top corner.
1–1 at halftime. The game was perfectly balanced.
Second Half: Passion Meets Precision
Liverpool started the second half with renewed energy. Trent Alexander-Arnold pushed into midfield, orchestrating play and switching the tempo effortlessly.
Just twelve minutes in, Liverpool struck again. Andrew Robertson dispossessed Kyle Walker and played Núñez through. The Uruguayan forward slipped the ball to Salah, who opened his body and curled a stunning shot into the top corner.
Liverpool 2–1 Manchester City.
Anfield shook to its core.
Guardiola responded quickly, bringing on Jérémy Doku to add pace on the flanks. The substitution paid off in the 73rd minute when Doku danced past two defenders and set up Haaland for a thunderous equalizer.
2–2 — all square once more.
Final Moments: Anfield Erupts
As the clock ticked down, both teams threw everything forward. The game’s intensity reached fever pitch, with tackles flying and every pass met by gasps from the crowd.
In the 89th minute, Liverpool earned a free kick just outside the box. Alexander-Arnold stepped up, eyes fixed on the top corner. The stadium fell silent.
He struck it perfectly — curling over the wall, dipping beyond Ederson’s reach.
Goal. 3–2 Liverpool.
Anfield exploded in unison, a roar that could be heard across Merseyside.
Manchester City pushed for one final chance, but Virgil van Dijk rose high to clear the last cross. The final whistle confirmed it.
Full-Time: Liverpool 3–2 Manchester City
A breathtaking encounter between two footballing giants. Liverpool’s relentless passion edged out City’s technical mastery in a match that had everything — skill, drama, and emotion.
It was more than just three points; it was a statement from Klopp’s men that the fire still burns bright at Anfield.
