The first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals clash went Real Madrid’s way as the La Liga giants handed a 3-1 defeat to Jurgen Klopp’s Merseyside men.
Liverpool FC looked far from their best, which was notable during the recent win over Arsenal in domestic action, and Zinedine Zidane’s side capitalised upon their opposition’s mistakes to clinch an important win ahead of next week’s return leg.
MATCH PROCEEDINGS
The visitors were outclassed on all fronts by Real Madrid in the opening 45 minutes as Jurgen Klopp’s side struggled to sustain the pressure brought about by Madrid’s intensity of play.
Karim Benzema looked all set to cause trouble to an inexperienced Liverpool FC backline but the Frenchman was thwarted by Ozan Kabak early on as he sought to get the better of Alisson Becker.
Real Madrid’s complete hold over proceedings was finally rewarded in the 25th minute as the Reds back-four was split open through a superb pass from Ton Kroos which found Vinicius Junior’s run in behind and the latter slotted his finish past Alisson to put the hosts in the lead.
Another moment of major defensive frailty from the Reds in the 38th minute, this time from Trent Alexander-Arnold, allowed Marco Asensio to double the advantage for Real Madrid heading into the half-time break.
Liverpool FC returned from the break with much vigour and their attacking upsurge bore rewards as early as six minutes into the second half through Mohammad Salah’s composed finish after the ball had come his way following a fluid counter-attacking display from the visitors.
Madrid, however, got the business going soon after the Reds had pulled one back as Vinicius Junior was there once again to poke home a finish from a Luke Modric to make it 3-1 for Zidane’s men.
Defeat in the first leg. #RMALIV | #UCL
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) April 6, 2021
Despite late changes off the bench in the form of Firmino and Shaqiri, Jurgen Klopp was unable to see his side get another away goal on the scoreboard meaning that Liverpool FC will have all to play for in next week’s return leg at Anfield.
