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#3 Militao and Nacho's heroics help Real Madrid shut Liverpool out
As envisaged, Liverpool threw everything at Real Madrid after the hour-mark. Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson operated almost as two wide wingers as the home side hunted for a goal.
They overloaded the wings, fizzed crosses into dangerous areas and allowed the likes of Salah and Firmino to dart into the box. Real Madrid, however, masterminded one of their best defensive displays of the season without Raphael Varane and Sergio Ramos.
Eder Militao, in particular, was immaculate with his positioning. He was always there to block crosses in the right place. Nacho and Militao won more aerial duels, sticking together as a pair and communicating to great effect.
All in all, it was a stupendous defensive display from Real Madrid's centre-halves, across both legs of the tie.
#4 Liverpool fail to score at Anfield once again
Liverpool threw the kitchen sink at Madrid, but for the umpteenth time since the turn of the year, they failed to score at home. The lack of fans, undoubtedly, makes a huge difference in the outcome.
But there was a larger problem for Liverpool. They played with enormous intensity and urgency, without the precision in the opposition's box. Jurgen Klopp's troops looked threatening every single time they broke into the Los Blancos final third, but the final touch, that killer's instinct, was always lacking.
The Liverpool side that won the Premier League and UCL were far more composed and decisive in the opposition box. Credit, however, had to go to Real Madrid for their defense in the second half when the Reds bombarded all forms of attack into their penalty area.
#5 Valverde exceptional in unfamiliar circumstances
There was no guarantee of a start for the talented Federico Valverde tonight. His right leg was bruised, he was forced to take painkillers to start today, but he put forth a display for the ages on the big stage.
Starting at right-back, Valverde was up against Sadio and at times a lively, effervescent Salah. The Egyptian did morph into more central attacking positions, but down that flank, Valverde stuck to his task and asked a lot of questions.
Valverde did not over commit, stood his ground and broke Liverpool's attack at crucial junctures of the game. He saw plenty of the ball and turned defense into attack for Real Madrid.
Overall, it was an all-around display from Valverde, who kept one of the most feared attacking units at bay.
