Real Madrid had suggested pre match that they would be patient in the second leg of the Champions League game against Liverpool at Anfield last night, but they were expected to at least turn up for the game!
Real Madrid have had a torrid time since the departure of the greats Zidane, Carlos Alberto, Beckham, Figo, etc and the loss of Robinho pre season has left a lot to ask of the remaining players. The la Liga title last season was ground out rather than won and this season the team have relied on the form of a few players, notably Raul and Casillas to keep them close to rivals Barcelona.
At Anfield Madrid did not even get going. While the first two Liverpool goals were controversial to say the least, they were well deserved as Liverpool went for the Real Madrid jugular and frankly buried them.
Rafa Benitez has come in for more than his fair share of criticism, mainly from Liverpool fans, over his often obscure team selection, but last night was more about his tactical ability than choosing the right players. The Liverpool team appeared to be in fast motion throughout the game and breached the awful Madrid defence at will, rendering the experienced international defenders Heinze, Pepe and Ramos as next to useless as they flapped and threw themselves into challenges.
Playing against the pace of the Liverpool attack and midfield, it is not wise to play the offside trap, especially as far up field as Real tried, even more so when Torres appeared to be on a mission to maybe make up for not scoring against Real during his time with Madrid rivals Atletico.
Liverpool’s 5-0 aggregate win sends out a very strong message to the remaining teams in the competition, but they will be hoping it provides the perfect stepping stone for this weekends Premier league clash with Manchester United, where only a win will be acceptable if they are to remain a serious challenge to the runaway leaders.
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