Liverpool have been sensationally crushed 5-2 by Actual Madrid regardless of being two objectives up early of their Champions League round-of-16 first leg at Anfield.

Vinicius Junior scored twice earlier than the interval to cancel out Liverpool’s early benefit and three unanswered objectives within the second half – two of them scored by Karim Benzema – condemned Jurgen Klopp’s aspect to their heaviest residence defeat in Champions League historical past.

The Reds had threatened to overwhelm the world champions, their conquerors within the Champions League remaining in Could, throughout a blistering opening interval. Darwin Nunez’s flick put them in entrance inside 4 minutes earlier than Mohamed Salah seized on a Thibaut Courtois error.

With Actual Madrid rocking, they as a substitute confirmed that attribute high quality and calm, Vinicius rifling the ball low into the far nook of Alisson’s web to drag one again, earlier than the goalkeeper replicated the error by Courtois by gifting the Brazilian his second of the night time.

Eder Militao’s header from Luka Modric’s free-kick gave Carlo Ancelotti’s aspect the lead early within the second half earlier than Benzema’s shot deflected off Joe Gomez and past Alisson to silence Anfield. When Benzema later added a superb second, Liverpool have been damaged.

The outcome leaves Klopp and his gamers needing a miracle on the Bernabeu subsequent month. The extra quick concern is that after a few confidence-boosting Premier League victories, the fragility that has marred Liverpool’s season has been uncovered as soon as extra.

Extra to observe…

What’s subsequent?

Liverpool return to Premier League motion on Saturday with a visit to Crystal Palace, dwell on Sky Sports activities; kick-off 7.45pm. Jurgen Klopp’s aspect then host Wolves on Wednesday, March 1; kick-off 8pm.

Saturday twenty fifth February 7:30pm


Kick off 7:45pm

Actual Madrid’s run of essential fixtures continues on Saturday, with a LaLiga recreation at residence to neighbours Atletico Madrid; kick-off 5.30pm. The European champions then host bitter rivals Barcelona on Thursday, March 2 within the Copa del Rey semi-finals; kick-off 8pm.