Liverpool 0-0 Real Madrid (1-3): Los Blancos Knock Reds Out

After a pitiful first leg, the damage was already done for Liverpool with Real Madrid progressing into the semi-finals of the Champions League.

The first half began with Liverpool on the front pedal almost being rewarded the vital early goal when Sadio Mane squared it to Mohamed Salah in the middle of the box. The shot was saved by Thibaut Courtois within the first two minutes.

Real Madrid came close to ending the tie early when Karim Benzema stole the ball off Nathaniel Philips and ran into the box. The Liverpool players were left baffled when the 33-year-old striker poked the ball and hit the post in the 20^th minute.

In the 24^th minute, Casemiro received a yellow card after sweeping James Milner off the floor in retaliation to Fabinho fouling him minutes earlier.

The first half ended with Liverpool playing much better than in the first leg with James Milner forcing Courtois to save the shot and Wijnaldum finding himself in a good position, but wasting the chance.

The second half began with more determination with Liverpool when Trent Alexander-Arnold passed with his outside foot to Roberto Firmino but his shot was comfortably saved by the goalkeeper.

Jurgen Klopp brought on Thiago and Diogo Jota for Ozan Kabak and James Milner to play in a 4-2-4 formation by the hour-mark with Fabinho playing in centre back.

However, it was Real Madrid who came close when Vinícius Júnior outpaced Nat Philips but his heavy touched allowed Allison to come off his line and sweep the ball and then blocked any chance for Benzema to take a shot in the 65^th minute.

The next five minutes led to intense Liverpool pressure with Salah and Firmino shots blocked once again by a Real Madrid defender.

The last real chance of the game was for Benzema when Éder Militão’s cross led to him heading the ball onto the floor to bounce above the crossbar in front of the goalkeeper.

The game ended goalless with Liverpool not threatening Real Madrid’s aggregate lead. However, even without their star players, Real Madrid put on a defensive masterclass which stopped the likes of Salah and Mane from ever bringing the tie back into contention.

Source of Image: Champions League Twitter