Liverpool Ripped by Fans for 1-0 Loss, Champions League Exit vs. Real Madrid
Written by admin on March 16, 2023
Angel Martinez/Getty Images
There’s no point in beating around the proverbial bush—over the course of two legs in the Champions League round of 16, Liverpool was absolutely embarrassed by defending European champions Real Madrid.
The Reds found themselves trailing 5-2 on aggregate after the first leg and needing a minor miracle to advance. There was no magic for them at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, as it was Real Madrid who scored the only goal on Wednesday in a 1-0 victory that sent them through to the quarterfinals.
Obviously it was Karim Benzema who provided the match’s lone breakthrough:
CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ @CBSSportsGolazo
KARIM BENZEMA PUTS THE TIE OUT OF REACH! 🎯 pic.twitter.com/BQOY2skeF4
Were it not for the heroics of goalkeeper Alisson Becker, Real Madrid likely would have won by even more. It was emblematic of Liverpool’s season in general—promise here and there, but in general, the crushing weight of disappointment amid the backdrop of past successes under manager Jürgen Klopp.
CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ @CBSSportsGolazo
Real Madrid are knocking on Liverpool’s door but Gakpo, Alisson and the crossbar said NOPE. ❌ pic.twitter.com/T6ZBnzZcDi
Samuel @SamueILFC
On behalf of all Liverpool fans, thank you for keeping the score low @Alissonbecker. pic.twitter.com/Dn9y9CrhMQ
And nobody was taking it particularly easy on the Reds in the aftermath:
CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ @CBSSportsGolazo
March 2022: Quadruple hopes alive 💭
March 2023: Out of contention of any trophies ❌What a difference a year can make. 💔 pic.twitter.com/bjnO47hwmU
Squawka @Squawka
Who has knocked Liverpool out of the Champions League under Jürgen Klopp?
◉ 2017/18 – Real Madrid
◎ 2018/19 – No one 🏆
◉ 2019/20 – Atlético Madrid
◉ 2020/21 – Real Madrid
◉ 2021/22 – Real Madrid
◉ 2022/23 – Real MadridMadrid madness. #UCL pic.twitter.com/m08M2YoY4Z
James Pearce @JamesPearceLFC
FT: Real 1 #LFC 0 (6-2 on aggregate): Liverpool go out of the Champions League with a whimper. So comfortable for the European champions. Damage was done at Anfield and Klopp’s men never looked like repairing it tonight. Real lack of intensity.
FootballJOE @FootballJOE
Liverpool’s midfield pic.twitter.com/d4ZY5XU46a
There’s an argument to be made that no club in European football has been more disappointing than Liverpool this season. Last year, they were painfully close to pulling the quadruple, coming up just short against Real Madrid in the UCL final and falling just short of Manchester City in the Premier League.
But this year, Liverpool will finish without a trophy, ending the year in the top-four is hardly guaranteed and next year’s berth in the Champions League is hanging in the balance. It’s shocking to see how far Klopp’s charges have fallen.
There’s little shame in being knocked out of the Champions League by Real Madrid. It’s how Liverpool was knocked out that was so disappointing. The once-giants were sent packing with little more than a dismissive flick by the defending champions. The fall from grace this season is complete.
