Ally McCoist's four-word comment during Liverpool vs Real Madrid speaks volumes

Popular TNT Sports co-commentator Ally McCoist sang the praises of Liverpool supporters after a raucous first-half in Wednesday’s Champions League tie against Real Madrid. Anfield was in full voice throughout a feisty opening 45 minutes that stayed goalless.

Every tackle and duel won was cheered by the Reds faithful, with one moment in particular standing out. Midway through the first period, Kylian Mbappe looked to be breaking away clear with the ball - only for Conor Bradley to power in and produce a magnificently-timed tackle.

The Northern Irishman received the ovation of many of those on the terraces, who roared on the Reds amid a free-flowing game. The vibrant atmosphere was noted by McCoist, who unfurled superlatives on the home crowd.

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Asked about the noise in the ground, he answered: “I am loving it. Can’t beat it. This is the best mate, this is the best.”

Other notable moments included the chanting from fans drowning out the Champions League anthem ahead of kick-off, while Jude Bellingham was at one point booed when on the ball. The midfielder had been linked with Liverpool before his transfer to Real in 2023.

Asked about those links to Anfield ahead of the match, Bellingham said: "When Madrid came knocking I felt like that was the perfect club for me.

"Steven Gerrard is a massive hero of mine. It would be nice to have a Steven Gerrard-esque performance tomorrow, but it will be very difficult, so we’ll see.”

Asked whether there could be a future move to Liverpool, Bellingham replied: "I’m very happy at Madrid. I think the next 10-15 years will be in white for me."

He was met with a wall of noise as he entered the pitch ahead of kick-off. Arne Slot wrote in his programme notes that he anticipated an exciteable atmosphere against Real, whom Liverpool have lost in recent Champions League finals - in 2018 and 2022.

Nodding to Sunday’s huge Premier League clash with Manchester City, Slot said: “For us, it is about recognising and embracing the excitement of a week in which we will host both the champions of Spain and the champions of England at Anfield.

“Again, these represent opportunities for us to continue with our work and a chance also for our crowd to do what it does best.

“With every passing home game, I have been able to enjoy the Anfield atmosphere more and more and I know that these are occasions when the supporters need no second invitation to get behind the team so I am really looking forward to that.”