LIVERPOOL have it all to do at an empty Anfield after being beaten 3-1 in Madrid in the Champions League.
Vinicius Jr fired the hosts ahead after a brilliant 50-yard pass over the Reds defence from Toni Kroos.
And Marco Asensio then tapped home a simple second as Jurgen Klopp’s defence fell apart.
Mo Salah netted to get the Reds back in the tie after a disastrous first half, but Vinicius Jr then bagged his second of the night as he fired through Alisson’s arms.
THAT’S ALL FROM MADRID
Liverpool have it all to do at Anfield if they are to lift the European Cup for a seventh time next month.
A 3-1 first leg defeat in Spain was the least they deserved on a night where they rarely troubled the Spanish champions.
Mo Salah’s away goal – their only shot on target – does offer hope of another memorable comeback, but without a crowd on the Kop next Wednesday, the Liverpool players will need to look elsewhere for inspiration.
Madrid, on the other hand, were impressive despite some key personnel missing, and in two-goal Vinicius Junior, they may just have the latest Brazilian hotshot in their ranks.
We’ll be back with more Champions League quarter-final action tomorrow as Porto face Chelsea and Bayern host PSG.
Until then, thanks for reading and goodnight.
KLOPP REACTION
Always honest, always emotional, Jurgen Klopp is another who is clearly exasperated and hurting by Liverpool’s performance in Madrid. The German coach believes his players did not do enough to earn a more positive result but there’s still the hope that they can turn it around next Wednesday.
If you want to go to the semi-finals, you have to earn the right to do so. We didn’t do that tonight, especially in the first half. The only good thing is it’s only the first half of the tie. We just didn’t play good enough football tonight to cause Real Madrid more problems. I wasn’t happy with the way we played when we were in possession. We made it too easy for them.
Jurgen Klopp
DEFEAT TOUGH FOR WIJN
Liverpool’s captain this evening, Georginio Wijnaldum, has expressed his disappointment in his post-match interview. The Dutch midfielder admits that his side were below-par in the first half, and, while they improved in the second, it will be a big task to turn the tie around.
It was difficult as they are a good side. The first half was not good. We lost the ball too quickly, and in the two moments where we did not concentrate enough, they scored. We said in the second half that we had to play well and not lose the ball. We had to defend better at the back. The away goal gives us confidence, but we have to score in the second leg and not concede.
Georginio Wijnaldum
FULL TIME STATS
Liverpool improved in the second half and registered seven shots on goal, although that tally was still less than half of the 15 that Madrid managed.
The Reds’ only attempt on goal ended up in the back of the net.
CAPTAIN’S PRIDE
The injured Sergio Ramos watched on from the stands this evening, and has taken to social media to express his delight at his side’s performance.
The Real Madrid defender must have been particularly impressed with the stand-in centre-back pairing of Eder Militao and Nacho.
A REAL BOGEY TEAM
Madrid are becoming a major annoyance for Liverpool, and it’s now four straight to defeats at the hands of the Spanish giants in European competition.
Should it become five at Anfield next Wednesday then the Reds’ hope for a seventh Champions League title will be over for the season.
FT: REAL MADRID 3-1 LIVERPOOL
It’s advantage Real Madrid after the first leg in Spain. Liverpool were better in the second period, but were unable to build on Mohamed Salah’s goal shortly after the restart. Vinicius Junior added his second and Real’s third soon after, and head to Anfield with a two-goal lead. It will be a big ask for Jurgen Klopp’s men.
PEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!
THE FINAL WHISTLE GOES IN SPAIN!
REAL MADRID 3-1 LIVERPOOL
90+4. Firmino tries to work some space to spark one final attack, but he’s caught out by – who else? – Casemiro.
REAL MADRID 3-1 LIVERPOOL
90+2. Real look as though they’ve done their attacking for the evening, and are now intent on ensuring Liverpool don’t find a second away goal.
Salah tries to conjure something special on the turn outside the box, but the Egyptian can’t get a shot beyond Nacho.
Madrid’s stand-in centre-backs have been excellent.
REAL MADRID 3-1 LIVERPOOL
90. The fourth official’s board goes up to show four minutes of stoppage time.
These could be a huge four minutes in the tie.
REAL MADRID 3-1 LIVERPOOL
89. Liverpool win a late corner, and there could yet be some hope.
Alexander-Arnold swings it in towards Phillips, but Eder Militao is more than a match for his English counterpart and thumps a brilliant header clear.
REAL MADRID 3-1 LIVERPOOL
87. Mane goes down just outside the penalty area, but there’s no whistle. That one did look a foul on first viewing.
Liverpool have had little off the officials this evening.
REAL MADRID 3-1 LIVERPOOL
85. Vinicius Junior’s work is done for the evening. The Brazilian takes leave having netted his first brace for Madrid, and is replaced by Rodrygo.
REAL MADRID 3-1 LIVERPOOL
83. Alexander-Arnold is booked for unleashing a verbal volley at the linesman.
The right-back took exception to being penalised for a nothing challenge on Vinicius Junior, that had Madrid’s two-goal hero acting up.
REAL MADRID 3-1 LIVERPOOL
82. Jurgen Klopp makes a double change for the final ten minutes or so. In come Roberto Firmino and Xherdan Shaqiri in place of Diogo Jota and Ozan Kabak.
REAL MADRID 3-1 LIVERPOOL
81. Liverpool eventually do win the ball back after a Real Madrid spell of “at least 50 passes,” according to Steve McManaman.
Liverpool’s spell, on the other hand, lasts just one misplaced pass before the home side take charge again.
REAL MADRID 3-1 LIVERPOOL
80. They still haven’t touched it.
REAL MADRID 3-1 LIVERPOOL
79. Zinedine Zidane watches on from the touchline as his players enjoy a spell of keep ball. I can’t actually remember the last time Liverpool were in possession.
REAL MADRID 3-1 LIVERPOOL
77. Thiago takes aim from long range, but it’s high, wide and heading for the Bernabeu.
REAL MADRID 3-1 LIVERPOOL
76. Casemiro mops up in midfield again. The Brazilian has gone about his business quietly and incredibly effectively this evening.
REAL MADRID 3-1 LIVERPOOL
74. That third Real Madrid goal has restored the home side’s control of the game. Gone is the attacking intensity that Liverpool had shown after half-time.
REAL MADRID 3-1 LIVERPOOL
71. A first change for Madrid as Federico Valverde takes over from Marco Asensio.
REAL MADRID 3-1 LIVERPOOL
70. Jurgen Klopp charges down the touchline to intervene as Alexander-Arnold’s frustrations bubble over. The right-back squares up to Vinicius Junior after taking exception to a tackle.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
