Liverpool’s Champions League campaign came to an end with a 6-2 aggregate loss to Real Madrid.
Karim Benzema’s late goal secured a 1-0 victory for the reigning champions in the second leg.
Despite Liverpool’s impressive history of European comebacks, they failed to overturn the deficit from the first leg at Anfield, and their hopes were effectively ended by Benzema’s strike in the 78th minute at the Bernabeu.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp opted for an attacking line-up, including Diogo Jota in the starting XI. However, this left them vulnerable at the back, and Real Madrid had several early chances.
Liverpool’s goalkeeper Alisson was outstanding, making a number of saves to keep the visitors in the game.
As the match progressed, Liverpool grew into the game, but Madrid’s experience and control of the match eventually proved too much for the English side.
Madrid had numerous chances in the second half, with Federico Valverde and Benzema both going close.
After Benzema’s uncharacteristic miss, Liverpool seemed to have a chance to salvage a draw. However, the Frenchman quickly made up for his mistake by sticking out a leg to set up his teammate when Vinicius was unable to connect with his shot after a ball over the top.
There was a VAR check for a potential penalty in stoppage time, but the referee decided not to award one.
At the end of the match, the Bernabeu played out “You’ll Never Walk Alone” in a gesture of sympathy for the travelling Liverpool fans, bringing a poignant end to their European campaign.
