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The defending champions made a statement on their return to the Anfield Arena as Real Madrid cruised to a 3-0 victory against Liverpool. The match was predicted to be a tough one for Los Blancos especially due to the 4-0 humiliation they suffered on their last visit.But Ronaldo and Benzema ensured a comfortable victory for the La Liga giants and Liverpool’s woeful start to the new season sustained.Here are the five talking points from last night’s game.
#1 Liverpool no match for Majestic Real
For a visiting team, Anfield Arena is as hard as it gets. Liverpool’s home ground is one of the most intimidating places to visit in Europe especially on Champions League nights. And Real’s return to Merseyside was on the back of a nightmarish result back in 2007 when they suffered a 4-0 defeat against Rafael Benitez’s side.
In the opening ten minutes, one could see from the high pressing and rapid passing that Liverpool meant business. However, Ancelotti’s men slowly began to get a grip on the proceedings and it was only a matter of time before the individual brilliance of Ronaldo would come to the forefront.
After a brilliant one-two play with James Rodriguez, the Portuguese scored the opener with a stunning first time finish and commenced Madrid’s domination against the hosts. The midfield and attack started to co-ordinate and the slick passing and movement proved to be too much to handle for Brendon Rodgers’ men.
Even though Liverpool threatened on one or two occasions, the show was completely stolen by the defending champions with Benzema netting the 2nd and 3rd and ensuring an emphatic win over the Premier League outfit.
#2 Liverpools dearth of defensive cohesion
Though Real Madrid were brilliant on the night, one has to point out the defensive errors from Liverpool’s end that resulted in their downfall in the first half. The 2nd goal came from an unmarked Benzema’s header while the 3rd one was simply due to some sloppy play from the backline.
Toni Kroos’ delivery from the corner wasn’t cleared away as the Reds’ defence was late to react and Pepe knocked down it down and the ball squirmed beyond Mignolet and flailing Liverpool legs to leave Benzema with a simple tap-in.
There were several instances where Real’s attackers were given plenty of space and time to counter attack. In a way, Liverpool were fortunate that they weren’t punished further fro affording Ronaldo and co with that much of freedom on the pitch.
#3 It\'s time Isco starts for Real
With Gareth Bale sidelined for the fixture, Isco got into the starting eleven as he slotted in the midfield with Kroos and Modric. The former Malaga man reminded everyone why he is an exceptional talent as he put in a man of the match performance for Ancelotti’s side.
Liverpool found him difficult to contain as he was menacing in the centre of the park. His touches were exquisite, he held the ball and tracked back often especially cutting off Glenn Johnson’s role in the right wing. He timed his tackles well while helping his side in defence and showed immense quality while going forward.
His presence gave more stability to the midfield as Madrid looked convincing with and without the ball as well. With such a star studded squad at Ancelotti’s disposal, it has been hard for Isco to find a regular spot in the team. But after back to back consistent performances from the 23-year-old, it’s time that the Italian finds a way for the Spanish international to fit into his team.
#4 Kroos and Modric building up a world class duo
The departure of Xabi Alonsoleft a bigquestion mark in the midfieldas Real began to lose their way in the opening games of their season. Both Kroos and Modric are known for their attacking play rather than their defensive duties and Reals average start to the season was a testament to that.
However, Ancelotti, who is known for his adaptability, found a way around them and now it has began to take shape. Krooshas taken up more defensive responsibilities and has been deployed in a deeper role which has allowed Modric more freedom to move higher up the pitch. While there was no doubt about their qualities as playmakers, the duo have slowly started to build up a steady partnership in the middle and the game against Liverpool was easily the best match that they have played until now this season.
Comfortable on the ball and eager to retain when without it, both of them dictated the proceedings and were absolutely majestic in the middle. They displayed stability on both ends of play and now look like an established midfield duo who easily have the potential to be the best combination in the world.
#5 Ronaldo at his mercurial best
Cristiano Ronaldo has hit new heights this season as he has now scored 20 goals in 13 games. The Portuguese had his scoring shoes on as he netted the opener with a stunning first time finish. A happy return to the Anfield for the man who has scored 70 goals in the competition and is only one goal away from levelling all-time top scorer Raul.
At the moment, the 29-year-old looks unstoppable. His confidence during the game was evident from the way he took on the Liverpool defence and the combinations he was involved in with his team-mates. An opportunity came in the second half for the Portuguese to score his 71th goal but he was denied by goalkeeper Mignolet.
Ronaldo’s hunger increases with each passing day and with Clasico looming over, the Madrid star will be looking to stomp his mark against rivals Barcelona.
