(Football news) Real Madrid have made a habit of comebacks but what happened at Anfield was something else. The big news before the game was that Toni Kroos was added to the squad at the last minute after recovering from his illness. However he started on the bench, not having trained properly with the team. Dani Ceballos also started on the bench as Carlo Ancelotti played Fede Valverde in midfield while Rodrygo started on the right wing. Jurgen Klopp retained the same playing XI that won 2-0 at Newcastle. Arthur didn’t make it on the bench despite returning to training while Darwin Nunez was fit enough to start the game.

Liverpool had a phenomenal start to the game as they went 2-0 up inside 14 minutes. Mohamed Salah assisted Darwin Nunez who scored with a wonderful back heel finish. Thibaut Courtois made a horrific error as Salah scored Liverpool’s 2nd goal as the Reds looked set for a big win. As always Real Madrid showed no panic whatsoever and turned things around. Vinicius Jr pulled a goal back in the 21st minute with an outrageous finish despite being surrounded by 3 Liverpool players.

David Alaba went down injured in the 27th minute and was replaced by Nacho who put in an absolute shift. Nine minutes later he pressed Allison and also intercepted his clearance which landed straight into the back of the net. Allison’s mistake made it 2-2 in no time and it could’ve been worse. Vinicius set up Rodrygo in the 45th minute but Andy Robertson managed to stop a certain goal with a sliding challenge.

The 2nd half was absolute carnage by the European and World champions. Luka Modric’s free-kick went straight to the head of a completely unmarked Eder Militao who made it 3-2. Liverpool defenders stood like statues as Militao just walked across the goal to score. In the 55th minute Karim Benzema played a lovely 1-2 with Rodrygo before firing a tame shot towards goal. A massive deflection off Joe Gomez wrong footed Allison who could only watch the ball go into the back of the net. Liverpool looked down and out as Real Madrid piled the pressure. Vinicius Jr set up Benzema who put Allison on the ground and scored to make it 5-2 to Real Madrid.

Vinicius Jr, Karim Benzema, Luka Modric, Eduardo Camavinga and Fede Valverde were excellent throughout the game. Nacho came on and played really well in defence and attack. Real Madrid showed why they are the kings of this competition. Despite going 2-0 down, they never looked out of it and didn’t panic at all. It is going to be tough for Liverpool to comeback but it is possible.

Last season Chelsea scored 3 goals at the Bernabéu and Liverpool could do the same. Their immediate concern will be the crucial game against Crystal Palace on the weekend. Real Madrid on the other hand have to play 2 of their biggest rivals – Atletico Madrid in the league and Barcelona in the Copa Del Rey.

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