Liverpool’s Champions League encounter with the mighty Real Madrid is settled by three goals in 18 minutes…
Given Liverpool’s struggles this season, and their five-year absence from the top tier of European football, it was widely expected that a difficult evening would lie ahead against reigning European champions Real Madrid.
And so it was to prove as a devastating first half blitz – led by a fantastic Cristiano Ronaldo strike – saw the Spanish giants canter to all three points at Anfield.
Frustratingly for the Merseysiders it had initially started on a positive footing as Brendan Rodgers‘ men took the game to their illustrious opponents, cheered on by a raucous home support.
Sadly though, Real’s sublime opener was soon followed by a Karim Benzema brace as Liverpool’s weak underbelly capitulated in a familiar fashion, ending the encounter as a contest by half-time.
Reflecting on the evening at his post-match press conference, Rodgers was understandably disappointed but also full on praise for the opposition.
“I actually thought we started the game very well,” commented the Northern Irishman. “We were aggressive in our pressing and passing and we were coping very well.
“Then in that period after they got the first goal through to half-time, we conceded a disappointing first goal and then the other two were sloppy and loose and nowhere near what we would want.
“At 3-0 against a team that score so many goals and can be so dangerous, it’s a dangerous game then. I’ve got to give big credit to the players because in that first period of the game we were very good.
“We conceded poor goals against a top side but then in the second half, we were much better technically, kept possession of the ball better and were a threat.
“Overall, it was a bit harsh for us to be 3-0 down at half-time. You see their quality and speed, the level of their game is high. But obviously it’s disappointing when you’re 3-0 down at half-time.”
On the subject of the quality of Real’s performance, Rodgers continued: “They were outstanding, to be honest. They have got many players with big game experience and they’ve got quality right the way through their group.
“In the first period of the game we were very good with our intensity and pressing. We looked a threat but the first goal knocked us back a little bit. We’re disappointed with it and very quickly then we conceded two more.
“They didn’t have to be at their best to get their goals, particularly the second and third because we need to defend that better and we need to be more aggressive. But I don’t think you can say they didn’t play well or didn’t have to play well, because they did.
“They are a fantastic team, they have got great players. I’m also proud of my players, even though we lost the game 3-0. In the first period of the game and the second half, you see lots of teams crumble at 3-0 down against a team of that quality and speed on the counter-attack.
“We’ve got a very young team and you saw that this evening – their experience in terms of games against our young squad. But I was proud of the players tonight for how they kept going.”
Not for the first time in his short Liverpool career, Italian striker Mario Balotelli was one of the main talking points following the final whistle.
After another ineffective display, Rodgers substituted the £16m summer signing at the break, shortly after he had angered many watching by swapping shirts with visiting defender Pepe.
With regards to his removal, in favour of midfielder Adam Lallana, the ex-Swansea City manager remarked: “It was purely tactical – I felt we needed a bit more movement centrally to occupy their centre-halves a bit more and I thought Raheem Sterling would do that.
“Lallana came on and was tireless in his work rate. That is the minimum here at Liverpool – you need to press, you need to work. Young Adam came on and did that very well.”
In relation to the shirt swapping, Rodgers added: ‘It is not something I stand for. If you want to do that, do it at the end of the game. It is something I will deal with on Thursday.
“We had an incident last year with a player [Mamadou Sakho] and that was something we dealt with internally.
“It’s something that doesn’t happen here and shouldn’t happen here.”
Liverpool’s next fixture in the competition is in two weeks time when they face the daunting prospect of a trip to the Santiago Bernabeu.
Click here to read our match report of the game
Click here to see comprehensive match stats
Follow me on Twitter @superbag
| At Vital Liverpool we’re always looking for contributors so if you’re an LFC fan who wants to share his or her opinion with the masses, simply email articles/blogs to liverpool@vitalfootball.co.uk | ||