With the victory at the Santiago Bernabeu, Carlo Ancelotti’s team advanced to the round of 16 with a 6-2 overall triumph.
Meanwhile, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has been criticised for his decision making for the 2nd-leg Real Madrid clash.
Manager Jurgen Klopp stated before Wednesday’s game that Liverpool only had a “1% chance” of getting through to the next round, needing to win by three goals to square the tie and force it into extra time.
After Benzema scored from close range, Liverpool’s elimination was assured despite their best efforts to keep the game close for more than an hour.
With the Reds out of the Champions League, Los Blancos will learn their fate in Friday’s draw as they look to defend their title for the 15th time.
Jurgen Klopp to be held accountable for bold, but silly decisions against Real Madrid
In order to cover the deficit of 3 goals, the German boss played an attacking lineup and thus, changed the formation from 4-3-3 to 4-2-4.
With Salah, Nunez, Gakpo, and Jota all starting in the front line, the midfield was left vulnerable with inconsistent Fabinho and ageing James Milner.
Thus, this allowed Luka Modric and Toni Kroos to control the pace of the game from the middle of the park.
Despite needing three goals to turn the tie on its head, Liverpool never really appeared to be scoring as they lacked commitment and cutting edge when it mattered most.
Klopp realised that the balance was not quite right, and made a double substitution to introduce Harvey Elliot and Roberto Firmino into the game.
However, the bizarre removal of their most threatening attacking outlets, Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota at the hour mark, didn’t help at all, and Klopp’s side struggled to break down an organised and competent Real Madrid side.
Elliot and Firmino looked more assured and made Liverpool appear more fluid, but they never truly provided any major threats to Real Madrid.
Meanwhile, it was also highly dubious to take Nunez off the field. Although this was far from the Uruguayan’s best performance, at least he was a threat with his pace and shooting on target.
While Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool are only to blame themselves for their subpar performances over the two legs.
Due to Fulham’s involvement in the FA Cup quarter finals, this weekend’s scheduled match between the two teams has been postponed.
As a result, Liverpool won’t play again until travelling to the Etihad to play champions Man City on April 1 after the international break.
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