Real Madrid are simply special under the bright lights of the UEFA Champions League. They proved it once again, away at Anfield of all places. For the first 15 minutes, it had looked like it was going to be a long night for Carlo Ancelotti’s side. A superb goal from Darwin Nunez put the Reds ahead and then a terrible mistake from Thibaut Courtois allowed Mohamed Salah to make it 2-0.
Liverpool were looking completely dominant and the more likely of the two teams to score. But then a moment of sheer genius from Vinicius Junior brought Real Madrid back into the game.
Incredibly, Alisson made a mistake in goal as well, as Vinicius made it 2-2. How often do you see two of the best goalkeepers in the world make bad errors leading to goals in the same game?
The second half was the Real Madrid show. Eder Militao put them ahead right after half-time, and then a brace from Karim Benzema made it 5-2 in their favour. One must be careful before saying that the tie is done and dusted. But it certainly feels like the case after tonight. Especially with the second leg at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Real Madrid player ratings from 5-2 win over Liverpool at Anfield
Courtois – 4
Carvajal – 5
Militao – 7
Rudiger – 6
Alaba – 3
Camavinga – 7
Modric – 8
Valverde – 7.5
Rodrygo – 7
Benzema – 9
Vinicius – 10
Substitutes
Nacho – 6
Ceballos – 6
Kroos – N/A
Asensio – N/A
It was an epic night for Real Madrid. Not only was it a huge win. But also at a ground like Anfield, one of the toughest away trips for any team on the planet.
This team has not been in the greatest form in recent times but this should be a huge confidence booster for them. They have some huge games coming up in the coming weeks and hopefully, we will see them performing at this level moving forward as well. What a night. What a team!