Real Madrid defeated Liverpool in the Champions League for the third straight season after they were unable to overturn their thrashing at Anfield in the first leg. The Reds lined up with four forwards at the Bernabeu as they attempted to add another legendary comeback to their storied European history after losing the first leg 5-2.
But it didn't seem likely, and when Vinicius Jr.'s cutback came in late, Real striker Karim Benzema sunk the tie. Without Alisson, Jurgen Klopp's team would have fallen short by a wider margin. Vinicius and Eduardo Camavinga were stopped by the Reds goalie with stunning first-half saves. It may have been a different tale if Darwin Nunez had taken a chance in the sixth minute.
The Reds lost to Real in the finals last summer and are currently six points out of the Champions League spots, making it difficult for them to even make the tournament next year. The fact that Benzema hurt himself while scoring and had to be substituted was a drawback for Carlo Ancelotti's Real. The striker later claimed that he will be OK for Sunday's crucial El Clasico against Barcelona.