Actual Madrid 1-0 Liverpool (6-2 agg): Karim Benzema ensures Reds exit Champions League with a whimper

Whereas there remained the very slight likelihood the guests might mount the sort of gorgeous comeback for which they’ve change into European royalty till Benzema’s strike 12 minutes from time, it was thanks solely to Alisson Becker fairly than Jurgen Klopp’s frontline.

The Brazilian pulled off gorgeous saves to disclaim each Eduardo Camavinga and Vinicius Jr within the first-half to maintain the distant notion of a turnaround a distant risk.

Klopp’s time at Liverpool has been simply as a lot a few relentless depth because it has been high quality on the pitch. It has been the nice intangible of his tenure however, as has been the case so usually this season, that fireside has lengthy since been doused right down to its lowest ember.

A four-man ahead line of Darwin Nunez, Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota and Cody Gakpo represented an formidable set-up, although solely in concept. Hardly ever did any of them threaten, albeit extra high quality within the last third from Salah would have freed Nunez for a clear run on objective not lengthy after the interval.

Liverpool merely didn’t appear like they believed a comeback was potential and, within the 78^th minute, Benzema proved them proper. The good French striker tapped in from shut vary after a easy go from Luka Modric break up the Reds in half, inflicting chaos in backline who hardly want a lot invitation to break down.

Ibrahima Konate couldn’t clear strains, permitting Benzema the simplest of targets towards what’s proving to be the simplest of opponents for Madrid.