Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard has delivered his analysis of the meeting between the Reds and Real Madrid in this Champions League Round of 16 first leg.
“It was a reality check,” Gerrard told UK broadcaster BT Sport. “Liverpool started the game perfectly, took a 2-0 lead, exactly what you need on a European night, but then Real Madrid came back into the game, scored quickly and from there dominated and completely crushed Liverpool”.
“At any club, if you concede five goals, you have to investigate why and how it could have happened. I’m sure Jurgen Klopp will do it in the next few days. Liverpool are not conceding five goals, c ‘is very rare’, who probably knows that this is the very first time in the history of the English club that 5 goals have been conceded at Anfield in a European competition.
📊 For the first time in the history of the Champions League:
▪️ Liverpool conceded 5 goals at Anfield
▪️ a team led by 2 goals difference won by 3 goals differenceReal Madrid is UNPLAYABLE in the Champions League! ✨ pic.twitter.com/cAXrEG1kP6
— FOOT11 (@foot11com) February 22, 2023
“Sometimes in football you just have to put your hands up and admit the other team was better. That they stepped on you and dominated you. They were better in both surfaces. Today we saw the absolute greatness of Modric and Benzema,” admitted the Englishman.