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.
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:
That's embarrassing. Another set-piece goal. #LFC have to climb Everest.
— James Pearce (@JamesPearceLFC) October 22, 2014
Jim Boardman of The Anfield Wrap, echoing Pearce’s sentiment about the defending:
We didn't look as vulnerable in 2005 – with Djimi Traore at the back.
— Jim Boardman (@JimBoardman) October 22, 2014
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:
Mario Balotelli swapped his shirt with Pepe as the players went down the tunnel for half-time. Doesn't reappear. pic.twitter.com/o8J6GqwdN9
— Benjamin Smith (@BSmith) October 22, 2014
Right or wrong, that decision is bound to have a impact of Mario Balotelli's physiological state. Guarantees headlines, anyway.
— Benjamin Smith (@BSmith) October 22, 2014
The Daily Telegraph’s Henry Winter was also fairly scathing of the Italian:
Balotelli anonymous in first half, then swaps shirts with Pepe at the break, now subbed. Good player at times but too often an embarrassment
— Henry Winter (@henrywinter) October 22, 2014
Others were more bothered about Balotelli’s performance than his shirt swapping antics:
Personally I'm not arsed about a player swapping shirts at HT, no issue for me. More concerned about what happens on the pitch.
— Propaganda (@propagandaphoto) October 22, 2014
The BBC’s Ian Dennis, on Brendan Rodgers’ post-match comments regarding Balotelli:
Rodgers says he will "deal it with it" after being informed Ballotelli swapped his shirt at half time #LFC
— Ian Dennis (@Iandennisbbc) October 22, 2014
Dominic King of the Daily Mail on the brilliance of Real Madrid‘s opener:
Absolutely no disputing that was a magical goal. You'll go a long way to see better link up play than between James Rodriguez & @Cristiano
— Dominic King (@DominicKing_DM) October 22, 2014
FANS
Liverpool's back four of Johnson, Lovren, Skrtel and Moreno have won 0% of their tackles in the second half. Oh dear.
— Squawka (@Squawka) October 22, 2014
Absolutely tortured in that first half…
— Brian Irvine (@btirvine) October 22, 2014
Unless problems at the back get sorted quickly, it will be a very tough season. Too many avoidable goals conceeded.
— Paul Grech (@paul_grech) October 22, 2014
So anyway, Ludogorets beat Basel…group still alive. 2nd place up for grabs. The less said about #LFC tonight though the better.
— Spion Kop (@TheKopHQ) October 22, 2014
Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo is applauded off the pitch by Liverpool supporters #class #LFC pic.twitter.com/gtSMgD3t8U
— Propaganda (@propagandaphoto) October 22, 2014
EX-PLAYERS
Former Red Jason McAteer:
Ouch. I'm working the game and I can't help saying its a master class from madrid. Bring on @DietmarHamann please
— Jason Mcateer (@MCATEER4) October 22, 2014
Former Liverpool striker Michael Owen:
I thought Brendan Rodgers picked the right team here tonight but not much you can do against a team this good.
— Michael Owen (@themichaelowen) October 22, 2014
Ex-England striker Gary Lineker:
Ronaldo finally proves he can score on a chilly Wednesday night in Liverpool….and how.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) October 22, 2014
Former Liverpool hero John Aldridge:
Istanbul???i don't think so.Our defensive instabilities have really been found out.Give Madrid credit,but 2/3 goals were poor to give away.
— John Aldridge (@Realaldo474) October 22, 2014
Let us know your thoughts on the game in the comments section.
Fan Comments