Timmy T Maranda
Just like they did in May 2018 in the UEFA Champions League final in Kiev, Real Madrid inflicted more pain on Liverpool. They beat the shaky English side 3-1 in the first leg quarter-final on Tuesday night at Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano.
Disastrous mistakes by Loris Karius handed the trophy to Real Madrid after he fumbled a Gareth Bale strike and a Karim Benzema goal.
Brazilian Vinicius Junior scored from a cross by Tony Kross and a Trent Alexander-Arnold error gave Marco Asensio a goal.
Liverpool came back stronger in the second half and were rewarded with a goal from Mohamed Salah, who beat the offside trap.
Liverpool defensive frailties allowed Vinicius Junior to score his second of the night and the third for Real Madrid with Luca Modric being the provider.
Real Madrid take a three goal cushion going to the second leg at Anfield next week while Liverpool will be banking on an away goal to turn the tide around.
Liverpool Manager Jurgen Klopp told BT Sport you have to earn the right to get into the semi-final.
“We made it too easy for them and we just didn’t play good football,” said Klopp.
Meanwhile, on-form Manchester City left it late to beat Borussia Dortmund 2-1 in the other 1st leg UEFA Champions League match at Etihad Stadium in the City of Manchester.
Man of the Match Phil Foden scored what proved to be the winning goal for City and helped City take a slight advantage to the second leg.
Image : @Realmadriden
