Liverpool has been having an awful season so far once again proved by the heavy 2-5 defeat at the hands of Real Madrid. Most pundits have blamed their midfield and defense for that and Liverpool's signing policy this season. After several league match defeats, Liverpool won 2 consecutive matches against Everton and Newcastle. While the win against Newcastle might have surprised many and raised hope of several Liverpool fans of a comeback this season, a win against Everton cannot be considered anything special and Everton have also been suffering and going through one of their worst stint ever in their history.
How did the 2 Back to Back wins before the UCL fixture affect the fans?
After those 2 wins against Everton and New Castle respectively, many Liverpool supporters got a little hopeful and a few became overconfident as well, that Liverpool has entered the phase of comeback mode and hopefully, they can take revenge against Real Madrid after the last season's heartbreaking defeat to Madrid in UCL final by 1-0 scoreline even after dominating most of the game in terms of chance creation.
Liverpool vs Real Madrid 1st Leg: UCL Round of 16.
Liverpool started the game in excellent fashion, by taking the lead in 3 minutes after Salah's well-measured through ball was brilliantly read, and side-heeled by Darwin Nunez. Soon after Liverpool struck their 2nd after a howler from Madrid goalkeeper Courtois. As it was 2-0 up many watching thought that the "Revenge is Real". But it was Real Madrid, they never come under pressure and in fact they play better under pressure.
Vini Jr put Real Madrid brought Real Madrid back into the tie when he went passed a jungle of Liverpool defenders and struck the back of the net from the left wing. The way he made space for a real chance was totally his individual brilliance, that Brazilian touch. Soon after Alisson howler helped Madrid to get their equalizer. After the 1st half-comeback, Livpool's player's shoulders dropped and in the second half, Real Madrid outclassed Liverpool at their own home to make the scoreline 2-5.
What Next for Liverpool?
Real Madrid came to Anfield to spoil Liverpool's party about their recent party and kept a bleak chance for them to come back in the 2nd leg that too at Bernabeu. This result can affect Liverpool's form in Premier League at well and league rivals will be ready to capitalize on this occasion. A comeback at Bernabue really looks difficult now.
Changes: In general from 1st observation Liverpool needs to sort things out in their defense and midfield, rather than buying forwards only. There is a need to replace a few players in those positions with new faces during the next transfer window.
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