Liverpool 0-3 Real Madrid: 'Vultures' sweep Anfield

The difference in class between the two teams was clearly revealed when the reigning European champions only needed one half to finish off the Red Brigade.

Benzema (center) scored twice in Real's victory. Photo: AFP.

Liverpool, regardless of their form, usually play very well when facing strong teams. In the match against Real Madrid on the evening of October 22, the Reds only showed this determined fighting spirit in the first 15 minutes. In the remaining time, the difference in class was clearly exposed. Cristiano Ronaldo opened the scoring with a delicate finish. Karim Benzema scored twice, making the score 3-0 before the first half ended.

If coach Carlo Ancelotti had not withdrawn his key players in the second half to save energy for the Clasico against Barcelona at the weekend, the scoreline would have been even higher. Scoring easily and dominating the game was enough for Real to show Liverpool the strength of the reigning European champions.

With 9 points after three wins, Real is at the top of Group B. "The Vultures" will almost certainly maintain this position until the end of the group stage. The remaining ticket to the next round will be a competition between Liverpool, Basel and Ludogorets. All three teams have 3 points.

This is the first time since 2005 that Liverpool have conceded three goals in the first half of a Champions League game. The last time it happened was in the final against AC Milan, when the Reds equalised 3-3 in the second half and went on to win the title on penalties. The crazy scenario of a three-goal draw was not repeated at Anfield last night.

Before the match, Ronaldo had never scored at Anfield but that became a golden thing with the opening goal in the 23rd minute. CR7 coordinated with Benzema and James Rodriguez in the middle of the field and then rushed into the penalty area, diving to finish with one touch into the far corner, despite the fierce pursuit of center-back Martin Skrtel. This goal showed the coordination in Real's attack as well as Ronaldo's class.

The Portuguese striker is versatile, constantly switching wings and is often present in the heart of Liverpool's defense. CR7 currently has 70 goals in the Champions League, one goal behind Raul Gonzalez to equal the record of the player with the most goals in the history of the tournament. Ronaldo almost did this in the 63rd minute with a close-range shot but Simons Mignolet rushed out too quickly, touched his foot, causing the ball to change direction.

Liverpool helpless against Real stars. Photo: DM.

Liverpool fans still applauded the home team's fighting spirit. Brendan Rodgers' players played very well in the first 15 minutes. They played with determination, pressing quickly and fiercely, making it impossible for Real to develop the ball.

But Real are a club where if you give them even the slightest bit of time and space, you will be punished. Ronaldo was closely marked but still managed to shoot past Liverpool to open the scoring. Benzema also needed only a few seconds to score in both situations.

In the 30th minute, despite being in an unfavorable position, the French striker was still able to head the ball into the far corner from a pass from Toni Kroos to double the lead. With four minutes left in the first half, Benzema took advantage of a gap in Liverpool's defense from a corner kick and quickly placed the ball close to the goal to increase the lead.

Liverpool had two dangerous attacks that could have resulted in a goal at the end of the first half. Joe Allen fired a shot from the edge of the box from a Mario Balotelli pass, narrowly missing the post. A minute later, Coutinho dribbled confidently and shot from distance, the ball went hard and hit the post.

The second half was quieter as Real took the initiative to play slowly to wait for a counter-attack opportunity. In the second half, coach Ancelotti withdrew key players and played cautiously to save energy for the Clasico. Liverpool were powerless and did not pose much of a threat to Casillas' goal.

Line-up

Liverpool:Mignolet, Johnson, Skrtel, Lovren5, Moreno5, Henderson (Can 67'), Gerrard, Allen, Sterling, Balotelli (Lallana 45'), Coutinho (Markovic 67')

Real Madrid:Casillas, Arbeloa, Varane, Pepe, Marcelo (Nacho 85'), Modric, Kroo (Illarramendi 82'), Rodriguez, Isco, Benzema, Ronaldo (Khedira 75')

Goals: Ronaldo 23', Benzema 30', 41'

According to VnExpress.net