Three most memorable matches in Real Madrid vs. Liverpool history

Real Madrid and Liverpool aren’t alien opponents. They met for the first time in 1981 in the European Cup when the reds won 1-0. They have then met 5 times in the UCL, each time with an interesting story. The two clubs have had their fair share of laughs at these contests. With another big game on the horizon, here’s a look back at the three most memorable matches amongst all Real Madrid and Liverpool clashes in history.

3. March 10, 2009 – UEFA Champions League, Round of 16

The Round of 16 draws for UCL season 2008-09 had Real Madrid placed against Liverpool. This would have been the first time the clubs would face each other since their clash in 1981’s European Cup. With the last match so far behind in the past, Real Madrid’s star-studded squad was more likely to advance to the quarterfinals.

Walking into the second leg, Liverpool had a massive away goal advantage from their performance at Bernabeu on February 25 scored by Yossi Benayoun in the 82nd minute. Real being the team that they were, it was expected that they would overturn the deficit and come from behind with a solid away performance at Anfield. But, the reds had other ideas.

It was nowhere near to being a dominant performance as Liverpool led 2-0 at the halftime break. Real’s friendly face, Fernando Torres had made his move from Atletico Madrid and he spearheaded a brilliant performance. He opened the scoring at the 16th minute despite Casillas’s efforts, who had already made three brilliant saves so far in the match. Steven Gerrard added a second from the penalty spot when a controversial handball appeal against Gabriel Heinze was ruled in their favor.

Two more goals in the second half sealed what had all the way been a one-sided contest. Gerrard added to his tally in the 47th minute and a late strike by Andrea Dossena was enough to send Liverpool into the QFs. They achieved a humiliating 5-0 aggregate over the decorated European giants. All that could reach Real’s players and fans was a sheer disappointment as the day is still known as the day when Rafael Benitez’s Liverpool destroyed Juande Ramos’s Real Madrid.

Soon after that UCL exit, Los Blancos made monumental changes to their squad. Liverpool had no idea what they were about to face the next time the clubs go head to head.