Liverpool 0-3 Real Madrid: The 'Galacticos' sweep through Anfield

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

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

Liverpool, regardless of their inconsistent form, often perform very well against strong teams. In their clash with Real Madrid on October 22nd, the Reds only displayed this fighting spirit for the first 15 minutes. For the remainder of the match, the difference in class was clearly evident. Cristiano Ronaldo opened the scoring with a delicate finish. Karim Benzema scored a brace, sealing a 3-0 victory before the end of the first half.

If coach Carlo Ancelotti hadn't substituted his key players in the second half to rest them for the El Clásico match against Barcelona at the weekend, the scoreline would probably have been even more lopsided. Scoring easily and completely controlling the game was enough for Real to show Liverpool the strength of the reigning European champions.

With 9 points after three consecutive wins, Real Madrid is at the top of Group B. The "Galacticos" are almost certain to maintain this position until the end of the group stage. The remaining spot in the next round will be contested between Liverpool, Basel, and Ludogorets. All three teams currently have 3 points.

This is the first time since 2005 that Liverpool have conceded three goals in the first half of a Champions League match. The last time this happened was in the final against AC Milan, where The Kop equalized 3-3 in the second half before going on to win the title on penalties. The crazy scenario of conceding three goals to equalize did not repeat itself at Anfield last night.

Before the match, Ronaldo had never scored at Anfield, but that became a thing of the past with the opening goal in the 23rd minute. CR7 combined with Benzema and James Rodriguez in midfield before bursting into the penalty area, diving to finish with a one-touch shot into the far corner, despite the fierce pursuit of center-back Martin Skrtel. This goal demonstrated the excellent understanding in Real's attack as well as Ronaldo's class.

The Portuguese striker moved flexibly in this match, constantly switching wings and frequently being present in the center of Liverpool's defense. CR7 now has 70 goals in the Champions League, one goal short of Raul Gonzalez's record for the most goals in the tournament's history. Ronaldo nearly achieved this in the 63rd minute with a close-range shot, but Simons Mignolet rushed out too quickly and managed to get a touch on the ball, deflecting it.

Liverpool were helpless against Real Madrid's stars. Photo: DM.

Liverpool fans continued to applaud the fighting spirit of the home team. Brendan Rodgers's players had a very good first 15 minutes. They played with determination, pressing quickly and aggressively, preventing Real from building up play.

But Real Madrid is a club where if you give them even the slightest amount of time and space, you'll be punished. Ronaldo was closely marked but still managed to score against Liverpool to open the scoring. Benzema, in both of his goals, only needed a few seconds of freedom.

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 by Toni Kroos to double the lead. With 4 minutes remaining in the first half, Benzema took advantage of a defensive lapse from Liverpool from a corner kick, quickly placing the ball into the net from close range to increase the lead.

Towards the end of the first half, Liverpool had two dangerous attacking opportunities that could have led to a goal. Joe Allen unleashed a shot from just outside the penalty area after receiving a pass from Mario Balotelli, but the ball narrowly missed the post. A minute later, Coutinho confidently dribbled the ball and fired a powerful shot from distance, hitting the post.

The second half was quieter as Real Madrid deliberately slowed down the pace, waiting for opportunities to counter-attack. In the latter half, coach Ancelotti substituted key players and played cautiously to conserve energy for El Clásico. Liverpool, lacking the strength to do much, posed little threat to Casillas' goal.

Starting lineup

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