LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Wednesday, October 22, 2014: Liverpool's captain Steven Gerrard looks dejected as Real Madrid CF score the second goal during the UEFA Champions League Group B match at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Liverpool fans react to Real Madrid defeat and Mario Balotelli’s half time shirt swap

Liverpool lost 3-0 to an exceptional Real Madrid side in their Champions League clash at Anfield on Wednesday evening. We round up the reaction of journalists, fans an ex-players on twitter.

European Football - UEFA Champions League - Group B - Liverpool FC v Real Madrid CF

Liverpool were outclassed by a terrific Real Madrid side at Anfield, as Brendan Rodgers’ succumbed to a deserved 3-0 loss against the European Champions. Two goals from Karim Benzema, both avoidable, and a terrific strike by Cristiano Ronaldo were the difference on the night, but in truth it could have been more had Los Blancos not eased off in the second-half.

It was an evening that showed just how good the top teams in Europe are, and illustrated how far Rogders’ side still are from being the finished article. Once against soft goals were conceded, and it is becoming a serious cause for concern.

In the other Group B clash, Ludogorets secured a last-minute win against Basel, which is an excellent result for the Reds in their quest to qualify for the knockout stages. Madrid are top on nine points, while the other three all have three points. It is all to play for.

Here is how twitter reacted to Wednesday’s game……

JOURNALISTS

The Echo’s James Pearce, bemoaning yet more sloppy defending from set-pieces:

Jim Boardman of The Anfield Wrap, echoing Pearce’s sentiment about the defending:

Ben Smith of the BBC, on Mario Balotelli’s decision to swap shirts with Pepe at half-time, and the potential headlines that may come his way:

The Daily Telegraph’s Henry Winter was also fairly scathing of the Italian:

Others were more bothered about Balotelli’s performance than his shirt swapping antics:

The BBC’s Ian Dennis, on Brendan Rodgers’ post-match comments regarding Balotelli:

Dominic King of the Daily Mail on the brilliance of Real Madrid’s opener:

FANS

EX-PLAYERS

Former Red Jason McAteer:

Former Liverpool striker Michael Owen:

Ex-England striker Gary Lineker:

Former Liverpool hero John Aldridge:

Let us know your thoughts on the game in the comments section.