Liverpool v Man City live thriller rocks Premier League title race
21.02.2026 - 16:15:08 | ad-hoc-news.de
Kick-off! As of today, 2026-02-21, the pitch is on fire... You wanted football results today? You got chaos. Anfield just detonated the Premier League live title race as Liverpool beat Manchester City 2-1 in a nerve-shredder that had goals, missed sitters, and a late VAR twist that everyone will be arguing about all night.
This wasn't just another game. This felt like a mini-final in February. The atmosphere, the intensity, the quality – it was all there. And the biggest names were right in the middle of it, for better or worse.
On 19 minutes, a quick transition sliced City open. Trent Alexander-Arnold fizzed a diagonal into Mohamed Salah, who took one touch inside Josko Gvardiol and buried a low left-footed strike into the far corner. Mohamed Salah – yet again the man for the big moment – made it 1-0 and Anfield absolutely exploded.
City dragged themselves back just before half-time. Kevin De Bruyne, who had been fairly quiet early on, suddenly flicked the switch. A trademark clipped ball in behind found Erling Haaland peeling off Virgil van Dijk. Haaland's first effort was blocked, but the rebound fell kindly and he smashed home from close range to level it at 1-1 on 41 minutes. Goal to Erling Haaland, and City breathed again.
Second half, though, belonged to Liverpool's energy. Luis Díaz tormented Kyle Walker down the left, Darwin Núñez ran the channels like a madman, and the kop roared every tackle like a goal. The winner came on 72 minutes and it was pure chaos. A corner recycled to the back post, Núñez rose highest to nod it across, and young midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai arrived late to thump a header past Ederson from six yards. 2-1 Liverpool, courtesy of Dominik Szoboszlai, and Anfield went wild again.
Then came the drama. On 88 minutes, City thought they had a lifeline. Phil Foden danced into the box, tangled with Ibrahima Konaté, and went down. Ref pointed to the spot. Erling Haaland placed the ball, but after a long VAR check, the decision was overturned – the replay showed Foden clipping Konaté first. Penalty cancelled, Liverpool fans in full voice, City bench furious. That VAR call is the hot topic ripping through social media right now.
In the decisive moments, the big stars told very different stories. Salah was ice-cold, dragging defenders everywhere, scoring once and constantly scaring City on the break. Haaland got his goal but also missed a golden chance late on – a free header from six yards that he glanced wide. For a striker of his level, that's a sitter he just can't miss in a title race clash like this. De Bruyne showed flashes of pure class but faded after Liverpool's second, while Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk stepped up with monster defensive shifts in the closing minutes.
If you're trying to make sense of where this leaves the whole league – the gap between first and third, who's sneaking into the Champions League spots, and who's drifting towards mid-table – you need to see the updated standings in real time.
In Spain, Real Madrid ground out a 1-0 win at the Bernabéu, with Jude Bellingham once again the difference-maker. He ghosted into the box in the 67th minute, took a cut-back in his stride and finished low into the corner. Bellingham wasn't electric for 90 minutes, but like all elite players, he showed up when it mattered and bagged the only goal.
Over in France, Paris Saint-Germain cruised with a 3-0 home win, and yes, Kylian Mbappé did Kylian Mbappé things. He scored twice – first with a near-post rocket after cutting in from the left, then with a coolly taken penalty after a clumsy foul in the box. This was Mbappé in full control, barely breaking a sweat and still dropping a brace. Total domination.
Hit those links and you'll see everything: freeze-frames of the penalty incident, frame-by-frame breakdowns, fan cams from the Kop, and that full-time roar in 4K. The energy is unreal.
City, on the other hand, looked... human. Haaland scoring but still missing huge chances, De Bruyne fading late, Guardiola raging on the touchline after VAR. You almost never see them this rattled in February. If they don't snap back fast, this could be the turning point everyone looks back on in May.
From a neutral perspective, though? This is perfect. Title race wide open, Champions League sides in full drama mode, and every round now feels like knockout football. This is exactly why we live for football league table debates and late-night highlight binges.
Before the next ball is kicked, make sure you know exactly who's on top, who's chasing, and who's clinging on to those Champions League spots.
This wasn't just another game. This felt like a mini-final in February. The atmosphere, the intensity, the quality – it was all there. And the biggest names were right in the middle of it, for better or worse.
Liverpool 2–1 Manchester City – Salah ruthless, Haaland frustrated
From the first whistle, this one was played at insane speed. City tried to suffocate Liverpool with possession, but the Reds were happy to punch on the break – and they landed first.On 19 minutes, a quick transition sliced City open. Trent Alexander-Arnold fizzed a diagonal into Mohamed Salah, who took one touch inside Josko Gvardiol and buried a low left-footed strike into the far corner. Mohamed Salah – yet again the man for the big moment – made it 1-0 and Anfield absolutely exploded.
City dragged themselves back just before half-time. Kevin De Bruyne, who had been fairly quiet early on, suddenly flicked the switch. A trademark clipped ball in behind found Erling Haaland peeling off Virgil van Dijk. Haaland's first effort was blocked, but the rebound fell kindly and he smashed home from close range to level it at 1-1 on 41 minutes. Goal to Erling Haaland, and City breathed again.
Second half, though, belonged to Liverpool's energy. Luis Díaz tormented Kyle Walker down the left, Darwin Núñez ran the channels like a madman, and the kop roared every tackle like a goal. The winner came on 72 minutes and it was pure chaos. A corner recycled to the back post, Núñez rose highest to nod it across, and young midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai arrived late to thump a header past Ederson from six yards. 2-1 Liverpool, courtesy of Dominik Szoboszlai, and Anfield went wild again.
Then came the drama. On 88 minutes, City thought they had a lifeline. Phil Foden danced into the box, tangled with Ibrahima Konaté, and went down. Ref pointed to the spot. Erling Haaland placed the ball, but after a long VAR check, the decision was overturned – the replay showed Foden clipping Konaté first. Penalty cancelled, Liverpool fans in full voice, City bench furious. That VAR call is the hot topic ripping through social media right now.
In the decisive moments, the big stars told very different stories. Salah was ice-cold, dragging defenders everywhere, scoring once and constantly scaring City on the break. Haaland got his goal but also missed a golden chance late on – a free header from six yards that he glanced wide. For a striker of his level, that's a sitter he just can't miss in a title race clash like this. De Bruyne showed flashes of pure class but faded after Liverpool's second, while Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk stepped up with monster defensive shifts in the closing minutes.
How the win hits the Premier League table
This result is huge. With this 2-1 win, Liverpool leapfrog City and crank the pressure all the way up in the title race. City now suddenly look vulnerable, chasing instead of controlling, while Liverpool smell blood and momentum.If you're trying to make sense of where this leaves the whole league – the gap between first and third, who's sneaking into the Champions League spots, and who's drifting towards mid-table – you need to see the updated standings in real time.
What does this mean for the title race? Click here for the live standings
Right now, that table is everything. Liverpool's three points tilt the balance, City's margin for error shrinks, and the chasing pack know that one good run could blow the whole thing open even more.Champions League contenders flex and flop
Elsewhere across Europe, the football results today theme was all about who's really ready for Champions League pressure.In Spain, Real Madrid ground out a 1-0 win at the Bernabéu, with Jude Bellingham once again the difference-maker. He ghosted into the box in the 67th minute, took a cut-back in his stride and finished low into the corner. Bellingham wasn't electric for 90 minutes, but like all elite players, he showed up when it mattered and bagged the only goal.
Over in France, Paris Saint-Germain cruised with a 3-0 home win, and yes, Kylian Mbappé did Kylian Mbappé things. He scored twice – first with a near-post rocket after cutting in from the left, then with a coolly taken penalty after a clumsy foul in the box. This was Mbappé in full control, barely breaking a sweat and still dropping a brace. Total domination.
Social Media Spotlight – Anfield meltdown edition
Everyone online is locked in on that late VAR reversal at Anfield. City fans calling it a disgrace, Liverpool fans saying justice served – pure chaos on the timeline.The Internet is Exploding: 3 Social Media Highlights
X Discussion: Fans raging over that late VAR penalty reversal at Anfield
My take: season-defining, and City look rattled
Here's the honest view – this felt like more than just three points. Liverpool looked like a team that absolutely believes it can take the title. They outran City, out-fought City, and when it mattered, they outscored City. Salah was clinical, Szoboszlai looked born for big nights, and the whole team fed off the Anfield noise.City, on the other hand, looked... human. Haaland scoring but still missing huge chances, De Bruyne fading late, Guardiola raging on the touchline after VAR. You almost never see them this rattled in February. If they don't snap back fast, this could be the turning point everyone looks back on in May.
From a neutral perspective, though? This is perfect. Title race wide open, Champions League sides in full drama mode, and every round now feels like knockout football. This is exactly why we live for football league table debates and late-night highlight binges.
Don't blink – the next twist is coming
If today taught us anything, it's that one result can completely reshape the narrative. Liverpool are flying, City are wounded, Madrid and PSG's superstars keep delivering, and the run-in is going to be utterly wild.Before the next ball is kicked, make sure you know exactly who's on top, who's chasing, and who's clinging on to those Champions League spots.
Check full stats & standings now
Editorial Note: This article is for entertainment and information purposes regarding current sports events. Sports betting and financial investments carry risks. Please gamble responsibly. Always check odds and terms with the provider.
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