Debacle for Klopp – Liverpool go down against Real Madrid
Liverpool are on the brink of being eliminated from the Champions League. In a crazy game, Jürgen Klopp’s team took a two-goal lead, but then got stuck against Real Madrid.
Liverpool lost to Real Madrid in the last 16 of the Champions League after leading 2-0. After the humiliation, the media and experts attacked the Reds and their coach Jürgen Klopp.
EIt couldn’t have started any better. Anfield Road was already raging in the fourth minute. Mohamed Salah shattered Real Madrid’s defense with a dream pass and Darwin heeled the ball in to give Liverpool an early lead. After a disastrous goal from Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, Salah made it 2-0. But what followed was a humiliation of the Reds.
After the strong initial phase, Jürgen Klopp’s team completely lost the game. Real equalized before the break and won the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 5-2. Liverpool have never conceded more goals in a European home game in their long club history. “That was a heavy blow. We lost too many balls at the wrong moments, we played completely into their hands,” said Klopp.
Jürgen Klopp was visibly served after the crushing defeat
Source: dpa/Peter Byrne
The appearance of the team, especially in defence, gives little hope for a football miracle in the second leg. Former France international and Arsenal legend Thierry Henry spoke of “the end of an era for Liverpool”. And ex-player Jamie Carragher said: “Defensively, Liverpool was an absolute shambles, the whole season.”
The press about the Liverpool debacle
„The Sun“: Disgraced Reds screw up two-goal advantage and fall in worst Champions League defeat at Anfield. As a night of history and comedy turned to humiliation and terror, all Jurgen Klopp could do was gaze at the ruins of his Anfield empire.”
„Daily Mail“: “Anfield is a place where other teams manage to catch up, but not Liverpool. Anfield is actually, especially on Champions League nights, a place where Liverpool destroy their opponents’ dreams, not the other way around.”
„Guardian“: “It was Liverpool that broke at the first sign of turbulence, which began after his nemesis, Vinícius Júnior, scored the first goal of the night. It was the 21st minute and the extent of the home team’s subsequent collapse exposed the fractures that had framed a difficult season.”
Stunned superstar: Mohamed Salah after Liverpool’s performance against Real
Source: dpa/Peter Byrne
„Daily Mirror“: “It was the first time Liverpool have ever conceded five goals at Anfield in a Champions League game and it has completely dashed their hopes of winning the Champions League for the first time since 2019.”
Real’s performance was celebrated in Spain.
“Brand”: “Anfield succumbs to the spell of Real Madrid. The club have put their Champions League winners stamp on the most mythical venue in English football.”
„As“: “Anfield lay at Vinícius’ feet. The Brazilian was the best player on a historic night: he scored two goals, worked the foul out for the third and assisted Karim Benzema.”
Man of the Night: Reals Vinicius Junior
What: REUTERS
“The country”: “Sometimes Madrid doesn’t seem to be Real. The most amazing team in history never stops surprising.”
“Sports world”: “Real Madrid have a foot and a half in the quarter-finals of the Champions League. The second leg on March 15th at the Bernabéu is still coming up, but after the goal celebration against Liverpool in Anfield, Ancelotti’s team would have to do very badly not to get through to the next round.”
