‘You learn from such legends’ – Carreras embraces Mohamed Salah showdown as learning moment

Real Madrid wing-back Álvaro Carreras says he has drawn valuable lessons from facing Mohamed Salah, despite his side’s 1-0 defeat to Liverpool in the Champions League.

Liverpool secured victory on Tuesday night at Anfield through Alexis Mac Allister’s second-half header, ending Real Madrid’s unbeaten run in this season’s competition.

It was a tough evening for the LaLiga leaders, but a promising individual performance from Carreras offered a bright note in defeat.

Carreras, who previously played for Manchester United, reflected on the experience after the match.

“The feeling isn’t the same as when you win. We came to a really tough ground tonight and we knew it was going to be a difficult game,” he said. “They scored from a set-piece, but they all count and it’s given them the win.”

He acknowledged Real could have shown more urgency in attack.

“Perhaps we could have been a bit more aggressive, looking to play into the space, get forward quicker,” he added.

Carreras relished his individual battle with Salah, describing it as a valuable learning moment.

“I love a good duel. He has far more experience than I do — Salah is a Liverpool legend. You learn a lot from these battles.”

Mac Allister’s 61st-minute header from a Dominik Szoboszlai free-kick gave Arne Slot’s side a deserved win in a contest full of intensity.

Liverpool had earlier seen a penalty shout overturned after a VAR check when Aurelien Tchouameni appeared to handle the ball.

The result moved Liverpool to sixth in the group with nine points, level with Real Madrid but trailing on goal difference.

Despite the setback, Carreras insisted that Real would quickly turn their focus back to maintaining control at the top of LaLiga.