Real Madrid has defeated Liverpool 1-0, securing their spot in the Champions League quarterfinals with a 6-2 aggregate victory. Liverpool’s coach Jurgen Klopp had previously said his team had only a 1% chance of turning the tie around after the first leg clash at Anfield left Madrid with a three-goal advantage. Although Liverpool managed to stem the bleeding in the second leg, they were unable to mount a comeback like they did against Barcelona in 2019 or AC Milan in the 2005 final.
Madrid have now eliminated Liverpool from the Champions League in three consecutive seasons, including last year’s final. The match saw Madrid’s Karim Benzema score the winner after 78 minutes, with a simple tap-in off a pass from Vinicius Junior.
Madrid’s captain Sergio Ramos was forced to leave the field due to injury after scoring the goal. Liverpool showed signs of life in the first half, but Madrid dominated in the second half, with Vinicius and Benzema both having chances to extend their lead. Madrid played Liverpool’s anthem “You’ll Never Walk Alone” at the end of the game, a gesture that was seen as both classy and a reminder that Liverpool had never truly threatened their opponents.
