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Liverpool LIV
2
Darwin Núñez 3',Salah 13'
Real Madrid RMA
5
Vinicius Junior 20', 35',Eder Militao 46',Benzema 54', 66'
Finished

Liverpool vs Real Madrid, summary: score, goals, highlights | Champions League 22/23

Update:
Real Madrid came back from 2-0 down to thrash Liverpool at Anfield in the Round of 16 in the Champions League.

Liverpool vs Real Madrid: as it happened

Signing off...

That's all for today, folks!

Time to take a breather - until Wednesday evening when we've got Leipzig vs Manchester City!

See you for more flappy star-ball action tomorrow!

Joe

as.com

Rodrygo injury update:

Spanish radio show El Partidazo de Cope are reporting that Rodrygo is a doubt for the Derby at the weekend...

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21/02/23 PARTIDO IDA OCTAVOS CHAMPIONS LEAGUE 
LIVERPOOL - REAL MADRID 
GOLPE LESION DAVID ALABA

JESUS ALVAREZ ORIHUELA / DIARIO AS

Alaba, injured again

David Alaba went off injured in the first half an was replaced by Nacho.

Here is the latest on his injury.

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High praise from Jurgen for Nacho:

On why Trent Alexander-Arnold stopped having success down the right wing: "Nacho. Nacho came in. He was amazing. I don’t know how many years he’s been at Real Madrid, but he was great.”

Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool manager

Magic man Modric

And he won 2/2 aerial duels, including one against Fabinho!

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The MVP!

Militão for me was also worth a shout, as well as Modric. But nobody can seriously argue that Vini doesn't deserve this award. What a performance.

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Carlo Ancelotti just called Vinicius "the most decisive player in the world".

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Fede Valverde, post-match interview

"Thanks to Carlo, he’s important, what he said at half time, with a few words he says a lot. He helped us to come back into the game. 

He said we could win the game. We made mistakes that let them score 2 goals. But we were able to come through it. The boss was calm at half-time, he told us to control the play and find space.

We started with the centre-backs deep to take the ball out and Modric closer to the front line, but we couldn’t get the ball out in the buildup. So I went forward to press and get the ball higher up instead. 

It was a great goal from Vini that helped us emotionally

You have to enjoy the moment, it's not every day that you win games in this fashion in this type of stadium.

Fede Valverde, Real Madrid

Carlo Ancelotti post-match press conference:

"When we were 2-0 down, I was thinking about the comeback vs City.”

“Half time team talk? No. They knew what to do, we did not talk.”

"We suffered a lot. We didn't expect to start the game like that. But we stayed focused and improved minute after minute."

"I used a XI to play a more open game. We wanted to create danger, not like in the final in Paris."

"Real Madrid favourite to win the Champions League? I don't know. We still have to play at the Bernabéu. Liverpool is a great team and we will suffer."

"Best win of my career? Winning here at Anfield is very difficult, we are happy and satisfied."

"We were bad in January. But now it's February and you can't stop. The best part of the season starts now."

"Problems at LB? I told Modrić to press Fabinho and that's why we had more problems to stop Salah in the first half. But then we changed this and we were better."

Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid manager

Jamie Carragher, ex-Liverpool captain:

"Liverpool, all season, have been an absolute shambles defensively."

Jamie Carragher, Ex-Liverpool captain

The midfield don't have the energy anymore, the attacking players don't press like they used to.

Jamie Carragher, Ex-Liverpool captain

The Liverpool defence can't cope. It completely fell apart.

Jamie Carragher, Ex-Liverpool captain

It's not acceptable what we're watching this season. It's nowhere near good enough.

Virgil van Dijk said I wouldn't get in the back four a couple of weeks ago: I think I'd take his place at the moment.

Jamie Carragher, Ex-Liverpool captain

Rüdiger post-match:

“Crazy, just crazy. I’ve never experienced a night like this in football. Luckily this time I’m on the right side.”

Antonio Rüdiger, Real Madrid

"We did not start good. I did not start good but second half, we were fantastic.”

Antonio Rüdiger, Real Madrid

A smiley Vini is everyone's favourite Vini

What rating out of ten would you give him today?

Let me know @English_AS!

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"Benzema again"

When you have nothing else to say. The poor Madrid admin couldn't keep up all game; Liverpool's didn't want to!

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Carlo was right...

"We were efficient in front of goal."

Correct, Carletto. Very.

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Carlo Ancelotti post-match:

Little by little we took control, the game was very efficient from us in front of goal. Vinicius played very well. It went well for us.

The team didn’t lose their heads, we just went little by little and got more control.

They damaged us a lot on the left in the first half: Henderson was playing down there as well with Salah but we controlled better in second half by putting Valverde there who had more energy. 

Rodrigo had a fantastic game, both in attack and defence, against a good player everyone has to help, just like Karim did.

It’s not over yet. Liverpool suffered in second half and in first half we did. It was a draw at half-time but we suffered; we have to be happy because it was a good game but we have to look at the next game.

Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid manager

Well done, AS USA followers!

Almost 60% of you predicted a Real Madrid win - and you weren't let down!

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Thibaut Courtois post-match:

We want to dedicate the win to Amancio.

The second goal for Liverpool is bad luck, I don't normally do that. I controlled it OK but I thought I had time and then it hit my knee. But we know we could do them damage

Vinicius scored and then the same thing that happened to me happened to Alisson.

In general we always have the quality to react: the goal we conceded helped us to react. 

There was a good atmosphere today

I don’t think we're favourites [to win the Champions League], but we will try to be in the fight until the end. Anything can happen. Look what happened last season against Chelsea. There are a lot of good teams left. 

Thibaut Courtois, Real Madrid

Benzema delivered the goods tonight

He was amazing, and not even my MVP!

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How Sofascore saw the game:

A topsy-turvy tie and a ruthless Real Madrid!

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Karim Benzema post-match:

This is an important night for us, and I want to dedicate it to Amancio, this victory is for him.

We played with a lot of personality and scored goals, it was a very beautiful game, we started badly, we know Liverpool with their fans will pressure you, but we are Real Madrid.

They started better than us, it's a big game and to be 2-0 down after 14 mins, we had to do more and wanted it until the end.

Vinicius' goal changed the game. 

Our fans are great, so thanks to them, as always. They are the 12th man for us

I have to help the team with goals and assists.

I played a lot last season, and I was a bit injured after the World Cup, so it's been hard. I am getting better bit by bit. 

A lot of things can happen in football, but we are going to have another great game in the Santiago Bernabéu.

Karim Benzema, Real Madrid

What an amazing game. I don't know where to start.

I guess you have to thank Vinicius for the spark that led to one of the great comebacks in recent times for Madrid. And by recent times, I mean this season, as we had plenty a year ago.

The 3rd goal came just after half-time when Militão headed in a free-kick from Modric, that was won by Vinicius. Things didn't get better for the home side as Los Blancos started to turn on the style, retaining the ball and creating more and more chances.

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90+3

AND THAT'S ALL!

GAME OVER!

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90+3

30 seconds to go...

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90+2

The typical end-of-game You'll Never Walk Alone is being sung. The Liverpool fans have woken up in the 92nd minute.

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90+2

Salah goes down in the box under a challenge from Rüdiger. Waved away by the referee.

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90

3 added minutes.

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90

Real Madrid are in total control; they are keeping the ball away from the Liverpool challenges, moving closer and closer to goal.

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88

Kroos loses the ball (looks to be fouled) and Liverpool counter attack.

Well defended by Madrid.

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87

"This is how Madrid win" coming from the away end.

An extraordinary comeback in near-impossible circumstances? Can't really argue with them.

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87

Benzema and Modric OFF

Asensio and Kroos ON

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86

Valverde pops the ball between the legs of a Liverpool player before hitting an inch-perfect pass across the pitch to Vinicius. Spectacular.

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85

Elliott ON

Bajcetic OFF

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The news coming out is that Rodrygo has a muscle injury. We will see how it develops.

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84

Great work from Nacho to get on the end of an early cross and stop Salah from making contact in behind the defence.

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83

Olé...olé...olé from the away end of the stands as Madrid play a rondo around the Liverpool defence.

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82

Modric beats Fabinho to a high ball; the crowd groans. Frustration.

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81

Rodrygo OFF

Dani Ceballos ON

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79

Madrid look comfortable defending in their block as Liverpool work it wide every time. 

Dani Ceballos waiting to come on. 

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78

Liverpool vs Real Madrid shooting stats:

First Half: LIV 7 - 5 RMA

Second half: LIV 2 - 4 RMA

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76

Robertson beats Carvajal down the wing to get a cross into the box; defended well by Éder Militão.

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75

Liverpool are trying to build up through Madrid's defence, but the Spanish side are sticking their legs in just enough to keep them at bay. 

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Here's a stat for the mathematicians among us:

West Brom were the last team to put 5 past Liverpool at Anfield way back in 1951.

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Madrid are making Liverpool dance right now. Silence from Anfield.

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73

Gomez and Henderson OFF

Matip and Milner ON

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72

Rüdiger gets in front of Salah as Benzema makes a mistake with his pass; Los Blancos have a huge fire in their bellies.

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70

Madrid are now defending like rabid animals, led by Fede and Camavinga, who have had a perfect second half. 

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70

SAVE FROM COURTOIS.

Firmino got on the end of the cross and headed into the hands of the Belgian.

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69

Corner to Liverpool. Nacho cleared a long ball behind. 

Klopp doesn't look like a happy bunny rabbit.

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What. A. Game. 

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Madrid broke 3vs 2 with Vinicius down the middle of the pitch.

Modric played the ball to the Brazilian who took it inside the box before he squared to Benzema on his own. 

The Frenchman took the ball, had a cup of tea, took it round Alisson and smacked it into the net!

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GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL

REAL MADRID HAVE SCORED 5

KARIM BENZEMMAAAAAA GOLAZOOOOOO

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65

Bajcetic hits a whipped shot from distance after the clearance lands at his feet. Courtois had it covered, it seems. 

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65

Carvajal clears a cross out for a corner after a fantastic cross from the right. 

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64

Gakpo and Darwin OFF

Firmino and Jota ON

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63

Rüdiger hits a ferocious shot from distance that goes wide. 

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62

Some fantastic buildup from Madrid ends in a high cross that nobody can reach. Modric is turning the screw in the middle of the pitch. Class.

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61

Militão wins the ball back from Darwin and plays Benzema through the lines behind the defence. The ball is hit too heavily and Liverpool recover.

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60

Vinicius gets booked for stopping a Liverpool a free kick from a late Nacho challenge.

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VAR has a look and doesn't give anything.

Off we go again.

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58

Shouts for handball from a Gakpo cross as Rüdiger goes down in the box: Darwin looking like Mr. Guilty.

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57

Real Madrid are Real Madrid. I have nothing else to add. They don't die!

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Benzema and Rodrygo link up incredibly well on the edge of the box and the Frenchman's shot deflects off Gomez and past Alisson!

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55

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAALLLLLL

BENZEMA!!!!!!!!!!!

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54

Vini puts Henderson under massive pressure as the ball is hoofed down the pitch. The boy has got fire in his feet tonight. 

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Kroos, Asensio and Ceballos are warming up for Madrid.

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53

Huge shouts for a penalty from the crowd go unanswered after Darwin goes down under a challenge from Carvajal. 

Nothing given. 

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52

Modric hits a cross from the left that floats over everyone. A nice overload on the left between him, Vini and Benzema but Liverpool defended well.

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More Madrid admin? Go on then!

Maybe it's just me, but I'm enjoying the Madrid social media team being completely unable to keep up with the game.

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50

Madrid look revitalised; every pass is now finding its target and they look a lot sharper than at any point in the first half.

Anfield responds with a huge noise, for a few seconds.

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50

We're back underway...

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Modric hit a flat, powerful cross and Militão got to the front post, throwing his face at the ball past the Liverpool defence and goalkeeper. 

What a start!

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48

GOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLLLLL

MILITÃOOOOOOOOOOOOO HEADS PAST THE LIVERPOOL GOALKEEPER

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47

Free-kick to Madrid on the left side of the box after Gomez clatters into Vinicius. 

Modric to cross in...

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46

Gakpo flicks the ball towards Bajcetic but Rodrygo gets in the way. He's helped out a lot in defence tonight.

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46

And we're off again!

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The players are back out for the second half...

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Vinicius compared to Cruyff:

Vini is, according to Opta, the youngest visiting player to score twice against Liverpool at Anfield in major European competition since Johan Cruyff!

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Not a normal thing from Thibaut...

Maybe it was the atmosphere, although it has gotten significantly quieter since Madrid started to turn up the heat.

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Half-time report:

Wow, what a half of football...

Madrid started the first half absolutely terribly, with more gaps in the defence than we've seen all season. Salah has caused mayhem down the right and the first goal came after his superbly sly pass found the heel of Darwin to poke home after 5 minutes.

The second one came 10 minutes later, as the pressure mounted on a Madrid side that couldn't get their heads into the game. A strange error from Courtois let Salah in to make it 2-0 and Anfield was physically shaking with delight!

Then Madrid woke up.

Carlo's side started to play the ball in a calmer way, poking and probing and finding holes in Liverpool's defence. The breakthrough came with a thunderbolt of a shot from Vini Jr, who smacked the ball past Alisson from the edge of the box.

And the second goal for Madrid, the equaliser in a crazy half, came after a ball from Valverde was played back to the Liverpool goalkeeper, who made a huge error and cannoned it off the heel of Vinicius and into the net over his own head!

More in the second half, please!

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Salah's got a new record

Salah's got a new record, and this time he's overtaken Gerrard in Europe. Not bad!

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45+3

And that's all for now!

Everyone breathe!

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45+3

Militão with a superb header to stop Darwin from getting in behind. He hung in the air like a basketball player. Elite defending.

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45+2

Liverpool attack again down Madrid's left, Henderson this time. Goal kick to Madrid. 

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45

3 minutes added.

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45

RODRYGO MISSES A HUGE CHANCE FROM ONE YARD OUT

Courtois played to Valverde who slipped in Vini but Rodrygo couldn't get on the end of the ball that dribbled agonisingly across goal.

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45

Saved by Courtois. Easy peasy.

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45

Carvajal the unlucky sausage underneath the wall.

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45

Alexander-Arnold and Salah are stood over the ball. One minute of normal time to go.

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44

Free-kick to Liverpool in a dangerous area, 30 metres from the Madrid goal. Modric penalised for a questionable handball.

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43

He's carrying on for now.

Back underway.

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42

Bajcetic is down with what looks like a twisted knee.

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42

Rodrygo wins the ball and plays a lovely one-two with Benzema, who had dropped deeper than Carvajal to help out in defence. 

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41

Liverpool with the ball now, trying to break down the Madrid defence. 

Carlo's side are standing firm.

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39

Rüdiger takes the ball from Gakpo inside the box. A fantastic challenge from the centre-back in a dangerous area. 

Anfield has gone suspiciously quiet... apart from a group of people singing Spanish songs.

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We are all the RM admin right now. Again.

Even the Spanish club can't put this game into words!

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37

Back underway.

This is what they call a partidazo. Anincredible game.

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Valverde played a fabulous ball through the lines for Vini to run on to.

Alexander-Arnold reaches it and plays it back to Alisson, who does his best Courtois impression by making a huge error, passing the ball straight to Vinicius who had chased it down and the ball bounced off the Brazilian winger, over the goalkeeper and into the net!

Cats wish they had the amount of lives Real Madrid do!

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GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL

VINICIUS 

VINICIUS

VINICIUS

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34

Robertson almost gets his head on the end of a cross from the right. Just too high. Madrid have dipped again...

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33

Gakpo is allowed behind the defence after a mistake from Nacho, and his cross almost reaches a Liverpool player before Valverde comes in to clear the danger. 

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31

VALVERDE HITS OVER THE BAR

Madrid are fully back in the game!

Modric played a pass to Rodrygo on the edge of the box who flicked it to the arriving Uruguayan, but he smacked a shot high into the Kop.

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He took the ball down from the corner and hit another ferocious shot to Alisson's far post; this time the goalkeeper got a hand to it.

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30

HUGE SAVE!

VINICIUS AGAIN WITH A FANTASTIC SHOT!

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30

A fired-up Vinicius sends a high cross to the back post for Carvajal, who isn't taller than Darwin (a real life man mountain) and misses out on the header.

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29

Alexander-Arnold cuts out Carvajal's long ball towards Vinicius. Madrid are slowly growing into the game.

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28

Militão slips inside the box. No Liverpool players press him, but the crowd bursts out in laughter. 

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28

We're back underway.

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Alaba can't continue. Nacho ready to replace him.

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26

Alaba down...

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Henderson squared it to Salah inside the box who took a million touches before Militão blocked the goal line scramble from going in!

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25

WHAT JUST HAPPENED

HOW DID LIVERPOOL NOT SCORE?!

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Same, Madrid admin...

We feel the same. Vini is the boss.

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24

Vini breaks on the counter...

Van Dijk does amazingly well to get back and stop his pass to Benzema. Great defending.

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23

A bit of a mix up between Benzema and Vini lets Liverpool win it back, but Camavinga tracks well to stop the potential counter-attack.

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22

Back underway. What a game so far.

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Madrid are back in the game!

Vinicius took the ball on the left corner of the box and fired an absolute rocket into the bottom corner!

He collects the ball for the immediate re-start!

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AND JUST LIKE THAT

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21

GOOOOOOOOOOOOLLLLLLLAAAAAAZZZZZZZZZZOOOOOOOOOO

VINICIUSSSSSSSS

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20

Camavinga is being pressed like crazy every time he touches the ball, and he does not like it at all. 

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19

Bajcetic wins the ball in the middle of the pitch but his pass is inaccurate and the move breaks down.

Liverpool immediately win it back. Modric is on his own in Madrid's midfield.

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18

Rodrygo plays a low cross into the box but it's cleared by Fabinho.

Decent buildup from the away side.

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18

Some possession now for Madrid, Liverpool are taking a mini-in-match break. 

Boos ring around the ground.

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I can't quite believe what I'm seeing; Madrid are completely rattled

Time for the big personalities to stand up and make their mark on the game. 

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What a disastrous few minutes from Real Madrid. All over the pitch. 

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Carvajal plays a terribly awkward, bouncing ball back to the Belgian who takes a horrible touch under pressure, allowing the ball to hit off his knee.

Mo Salah pounces and taps the ball into the net from close range.

2-0!

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14

GOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL

SALAH SCORES

A HUGE COURTOIS ERROR

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14

The whole ground rumbles every time Salah gets the ball, as do the legs of the Madrid defenders... he is a menace.

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12

SALAH JUST WIDE!

UNSTOPPABLE!

Salah took the ball on the right wing and ran all the way into the Madrid box, nobody could take the ball off him!

His shot slid inches wide!

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12

RODRYGO SHOT BLOCKED BY VAN DIJK

The first chance for Madrid! It was good work from the left but the Brazilian's shot from outside the box hit the centre-back.

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11

Alaba's poor cross flies straight into Alisson's hands.

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11

I can't help but think that Toni Kroos' calming presence would help Madrid greatly here...

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11

A cross from Salah goes too far and Robertson can't quite reach it. He got in behind Alaba again.

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10

Bajcetic is running the middle of the pitch at the moment; everything Liverpool do is going through him. 

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9

Modric is having words with Alaba, who has allowed Salah in behind a few times in the opening minutes. There's the danger for Liverpool.

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8

Madrid now with some possession, trying to calm the crowd and play through the press.

Liverpool win it back high up the pitch and Salah breaks into the box. Alaba tackles at the last minute.

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7

Camavinga goes down to tackle Fabinho in a great challenge as the Brazilian arrived in the box. That will do his confidence good after a shaky start. 

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6

Valverde, Modric and Rodrygo work the ball well on the edge of the Liverpool box but Van Dijk steps in to clear the danger. 

The home side are in complete control in the opening stages. 

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5

Madrid have it all to do now...

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Salah plays a wonderful pass through the lines to Darwin who flicks the ball with his heel past the Madrid goalkeeper!

WHAT A START FOR LIVERPOOL.

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DARWIN NÚÑEZ SCORES A FANTASTIC GOAL! 

An amazing back-heel goal from a Salah pass.

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4

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLL

LIVERPOOL

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3

Militão with a great switch to Vini, who lays the ball off to Alaba. The Austrian hits a cross towards Benzema but Allison collects.

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2

HUGE CHANCE FOR LIVERPOOL!

Camavinga loses the ball in the buildup but Gakpo slips and wastes the chance inside the box!

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2

It probably doesn't need to be said, but what a fabulous atmosphere we've got so far.

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1

Vini loses the ball to huge cheers...

Madrid being pressed incredibly high in the opening seconds.

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1

And we're off!

Real Madrid kick off from left to right...

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A lovely gesture

Kenny Dalglish (he was quite good) puts a wreath of flowers in front of the Real Madrid fans, in honour of Real Madrid legend Amancio, who died today aged 83.

A minute of silence is going to be held.

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Boos for the Champions League anthem...

Liverpool are in all red; Madrid in all white, as it should be. No fancy third kits on show today. 

And the Champions League anthem rings around Anfield! (heavily booed)

The giant star ball is flapping away!

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The players are lining up in the tunnel, ready to go!

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'You'll Never Walk Alone' being sung now by the capacity crowd. 

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Almost ready to go!

Good news, the huge Champions League star-ball has been placed in the centre-circle of the pitch, ready for wafting.

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Liverpool vs. Real Madrid: What does ‘Chorreo’ mean?

You'll probably see or hear this word at least once in the buildup to tonight's game; check out what chorreo means in the explainer above.

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Anfield

Here's our seat for the night!

Just over 10 minutes to go!

The warmups are over... back to the dressing room for the final team talks!

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Benítez: “At Real Madrid, it was easier for them to blame me”

Who better to ask about the game tonight than Ex-Madrid and Liverpool boss, Rafa Benítez! 

Read everything he had to say in an exclusive interview with Diario AS here.

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Over 300 votes now!

Real Madrid are ahead with over 50% of the vote!

Have your say on Twitter @English_AS.

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The famous Anfield tunnel...

In just under half an hour it's going to be full of some of the best players in the world. 

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Huge noise from the Real Madrid fans!

Benzema and co. have just exited the tunnel to an absolutely brilliant atmosphere from the away fans! 

This is going to be a fantastic atmosphere when the whistle goes in half an hour.

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Liverpool fans give Real Madrid 2 a.m. fireworks display

Some naughty Liverpool fans gave the Madrid players a not-so-nice surprise when they woke them up with a fireworks display last night!

Any advantage is a bonus on nights like these, I suppose...

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The warmups have started!

Liverpool's squad have just stepped out onto the pitch to a huge applause from the crowd (despite most of them still enjoying things outside).

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Liverpool vs Madrid food

Pre-match meal at Anfield

A must before every football match in England! Forget your fancy cheeseboards and your popcorn - this is the real deal.

How to explain Bovril? It's basically a warm, meaty drink, a bit like a beef stock soup. Trust me, it tastes better than it sounds.

And as for the pie... Well, it's meat and potato or else we're not talking anymore.

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Here are the lineups again:

 

LiverpooI XI: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson, Fabinho, Bajcetic, Henderson, Salah, Núñez, Gakpo

 

Real Madrid XI: Courtois, Carvajal, Militão, Rüdiger, Alaba, Camavinga, Modric, Valverde, Rodrygo, Benzema, Vini Jr

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Real Madrid set to sign Caicedo ahead of Barcelona, Chelsea

If you fancy something that's not directly Liverpool/Champions League related, check out the news from AS that Real Madrid Femenino are looking to sign Linda Caicedo, the Colombian striker who is tearing things up at youth level. A genuinely terrifying prospect that will make us all feel old.

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Who is István Kovács, the referee for Liverpool - Real Madrid Champions League round of 16 first leg?

The man with the whistle tonight is Romanian István Kovács. Find out all about him in the piece above.

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Here are the tactical lineups from Sofascore

Because I know you love them. Well, I do.

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Liverpool's starting XI!

Alisson

TAA - Gomez - Van Dijk - Robertson

Fabinho - Bajcetic - Henderson

Núñez - Salah - Gakpo

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Kroos starts on the bench tonight

The German's absence is huge for Madrid, who rely heavily on the midfielder to start their attacks from deep. But according to Opta, Carlo has reason to keep his cool.

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Pre-match stats:

Vinicius has been involved in seven goals in his last eight away games in the UEFA Champions League (5G 2A)

Salah has scored four goals in 16 appearances against Spanish teams in the Champions League (2 vs Atlético, 1 vs Real Madrid, 1 vs Sevilla, 0 vs Barcelona, 0 vs Villarreal).

- Liverpool had 24 shots in the 21/22 Champions League final, 20 more than Real Madrid.

- Real Madrid have won only 1 of their previous 7 away games against English sides in the Champions League.

- Liverpool have won their last two games without conceding a goal.

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The stadium looks fabulous, as always!

The perfect setting for a fantastic night of Champions League football. 

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Mo Salah graffiti Liverpool

Here's some delightful Mo Salah graffiti

He's a true hero round these parts, but will he be the man the Liverpool fans are singing for tonight?

He has 8 goals in 22 Premier League games this season. 

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Over 100 votes so far...

Head over to or Twitter page (@English_AS) to join in on our live poll to see who you think will win tonight!

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28/05/22 PARTIDO FINAL CHAMPIONS LEAGUE 2022 
 LIVERPOOL - REAL MADRID 
 ALEGRIA GOL 0-1 VINICIUS

JESUS ALVAREZ ORIHUELA / DIARIO AS

Do you remember the last time they played?

Of course you do!

Yes! The last time these two sets of lads played against each other was the Champions League final last season! Vinicius Jr scored a 59th minute winner after an inspired run from Fede Valverde was followed up by a wonderfully wild smack to the far post for Vini to tap in behind Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Liverpool are winless in their last 6 games against Madrid. 

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Will Kroos start Real Madrid’s Champions League first leg against Liverpool?

Guess who's back?!

Toni Kroos was ruled out of this game after feeling ill all week but now the German is feeling better and has flown out to Liverpool to be a part of the squad! Will he make an impact tonight? Find out by reading the full story above.

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Liverpool vs Real Madrid breakfast

Here's the Liverpool pre-match breakfast

I told you I'd post it! 

Some more pre-match photos are on their way...

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Real Madrid Starting XI:

In classic Carlo fashion, here's Madrid's early lineup:

Courtois

Carvajal - Militão - Rüdiger - Alaba

Modric - Camavinga - Valverde

Rodrygo - Benzema - Vini Jr

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Soccer Football - Champions League Final - Liverpool v Real Madrid - Stade de France, Saint-Denis near Paris, France - May 28, 2022  Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior scores their first goal REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes

GONZALO FUENTES / REUTERS

Who to watch:

OK; I’m going to cheat a bit. Trent Alexander Arnold vs Vinicius is the big battle on the pitch, tonight, as the winger is looking in fine form in LaLiga this season, and has replaced Benzema as Madrid’s go-to-goalscorer on plenty of occasions.

Added to the mix is the fact that TAA is only one yellow card away from a Champions League suspension, which would mean he’d miss the return leg at the Bernabéu if the referee books him tonight. Best behaviour, Trent.

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Team news: Liverpool

Now for Liverpool, who are not called ‘Pool’ for short, please. 

Darwin is the doubt for today. “We have to see how he is”, said Klopp, “when we know that we will make a decision.” I suppose you could say his injury is pending evolution. 

Thiago, Calvin Ramsay and Luis Diaz are also unavailable due to injury.

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Team news: Real Madrid

Let’s do the away side first.

Ouch, a huge name is missing from Real Madrid’s squad list tonight, as Aurelian Tchouaméni isn't available to play: the Frenchman has got a stomach bug. Ferland Mendy is the long-term absentee with a thigh injury. 

But the good news comes in the form of another Frenchman: Karim Benzema is back after missing out against Osasuna due to fatigue, which Ancelotti said was due to his age. Poor Luka Modric, eh, won’t someone think of him?

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Hello, hello!

Welcome to the huge, juicy Champions League football coverage we’ve got for you today! 

Yes! It’s Liverpool vs Real Madrid!

It’s Joe here today and I’ve got the pleasure of taking you through everything as it happens at Anfield but first I’m going to show you my breakfast. Really.

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