Liverpool crashed out of the Champions League after a 0-0 draw against Real Madrid in the second leg of the quarter-finals.
The Reds had lost the first leg 3-1 away from home and that proved to be the difference in the end.
Jurgen Klopp made some questionable selections for tonight’s game by dropping the likes of Thiago Alcantara and Diogo Jota to the bench in favour of James Milner and Roberto Firmino.
His decisions did not pay off and Liverpool could have used Thiago’s creativity and Jota’s sharpness tonight. Both players came on around the hour mark but they should have started the game.
However, the Reds started the game brightly and they could have easily scored in the opening few minutes of the game. Mohamed Salah squandered a great opportunity when he was faced one-on-one with Courtois.
The Egyptian had three vital chances in the game and he will be disappointed to have come away without getting on the scoresheet.
James Milner almost scored a stunner from long range but Courtois seemed in inspired form tonight. Midfielder Gini Wijnaldum had a glorious opportunity to put the Reds ahead in the first half as well.
Liverpool will feel that they created enough chances to win the game but their finishing let them down on the night.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid approached the game with caution and they managed to get the job done. Los Blancos did well to disrupt the play and slow down the tempo of the game.
They managed to nullify Liverpool’s pace and intensity in the first leg and although the Reds improved in today’s game, Real Madrid were reasonably comfortable.
Casemiro and Alexander-Arnold were the stars of the show
Brazilian midfielder Casemiro put on a stunning display for Los Blancos and he was everywhere tonight.
He defended brilliantly when his side needed him to and he did well to break up the Liverpool play as well. With the likes of Kroos and Modric struggling to get in the game, Casemiro stepped up and dominated physically.
Meanwhile, Alexander-Arnold was heavily criticized for his performance in the first leg and the England defender answered his critics with a superb performance.
He was undoubtedly the best player on the pitch for Liverpool and he managed to shut out the likes of Mendy, Vinicius and Benzema time and again.
The young full-back was equally good going forward and he created numerous opportunities for his teammates.
Trent Alexander-Arnold vs Real Madrid • Most touches (104) • 72% passing • 49/68 passes • Most crosses (17) • 6 chances created (1st in game) • Most penalty area entries (26) • 2/3 tackles • 3 interceptions (2nd for LFC) • Most ball recoveries (10) Trent Alexander-Arnold (6) and Andy Robertson (4) created 10 chances between them against Real Madrid.
Casemiro for Real Madrid vs. Liverpool: 100% aerial duels won 86 touches 13 ball recoveries (most) 12 duels won (most) 9 accurate long balls 5 tackles (most) 5 clearances 2 interceptions 2 fouls won (=most) 1 chance created
He’s our keeper, and what he’s doing is just phenomenal.
Zinedine Zidane, Real Madrid head coach on Courtois
It became more and more difficult for us. We started really well and had a lot of chances. In the second half Real took a little more control…
The third goal in Madrid was the real disappointment. If we’d managed to score in the first 15 minutes of the game today, things might have been different…
We need to be in this competition next season. We’re Liverpool and we love this competition. It’s really important for us…
Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool Manager
I’m so proud of the players’ character. When they are with their backs against the wall, when things aren’t going well, they show unity. We have a lot of quality, yes, but the thing I like most about these boys is their character
Zinedine Zidane, Real Madrid Manager
What next for Real Madrid and Liverpool?
Real Madrid will now face Chelsea in the semi-finals and Zidane will fancy his side’s chances against Thomas Tuchel’s men.
As for the Reds, they will need to focus on their league campaign and secure a top-four finish now.
Line-ups
Liverpool
Alisson, Ozan Kabak (Diogo Jota), Nathaniel Phillips, Andy Robertson, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Fabinho, James Milner (Thiago), Georginio Wijnaldum, Roberto Firmino (Xherdan Shaqiri), Sadio Mané (Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain), Mohamed Salah.
Substitutes
Rhys Williams, Adrián, Naby Keita, Ben Davies, Konstantinos Tsimikas, Jake Cain, Leighton Clarkson, Harvey Davies.
Real Madrid
Thibaut Courtois, Nacho, Éder Militão, Ferland Mendy, Federico Valverde, Casemiro, Toni Kroos (Álvaro Odriozola), Luka Modric, Karim Benzema, Vinícius Júnior (Rodrygo), Marco Asensio (Isco).
Subs:
Marcelo, Mariano, Andriy Lunin, Victor Chust, Diego Altube, Marvin, Arribas.
