By: Luis Imana
With all the experience behind it, the real Madrid sealed passage to the next round of the UEFA Champions League after beating Liverpool by a slender margin in the round of 16 second leg.
Despite the fact that they could afford to lose this duel by two goals, the Meringues went to the “green” of the Santiago Bernabéu after winning 5-2 in the first leg to add a win to their fans’ front.
The led by Karl Ancelotti They started dominating the field from the start and could put the goal ahead in the first half were it not for the great performance from Brazil’s Alisson under the three sticks.
It took Liverpool 30 minutes to react and level the game. The ‘Reds’ also made some arrivals at the hosts’ goal, but the steadfast defense of the Merengues and Thibaut Courtois repelled English attempts.
Although it was 0-0 for most of the game, it wasn’t to last forever as Real Madrid broke the tie at 77′ through Karim Benzema, who received a pass facing Real Madrid’s goal Vinicius Jr to define smoothly.
However, the alarm went off at the Spanish club when the ‘Gato’ had to be substituted at 82 through injury, a situation which is worrying ahead of Sunday’s La Liga game against Barcelona.
Benzema’s goal was fatal for the team he leads Jürgen Klopp, He had to score four goals to force a penalty shootout. However, the “Reds” were never able to breach the merengue fence.
With this result, the reigning champions of the Champions League secured qualification for the quarter-finals of the European tournament for the third consecutive year and are steadily approaching their 15th “Orejona”.
“We played the game well and mastered it. They found it difficult to apply pressure and we complied. It was difficult for them to push forward because Modric and Kroos are very good with themselves in this type of game, they are not afraid to get the ball from behind and it was difficult for them in that respect.” Ancelotti after the game game.
Real Madrid retains its sovereignty over the liverpool, as they have been victorious in seven of their last eight games against the Anfield men in the Champions League.
Cancelled. Salah was stopped by Real Madrid defence. Photo: EFE
The Meringues await their closest rivals in the European tournament as they prepare to play the super classic in Spain this weekend.
Napoli qualified after a 3-0 win over Frankfurt
Without mercy, he Naples With a 3-0 win against Eintracht Frankfurt at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium, he secured his ticket to the quarter-finals of the Champions League.
The Azzurri beat the Eagles with goals from Osimhen (45+2, 53′) and Zielinski (64′) to finish 5-0 after a 2-0 win in the first leg.
The led by Luciano Spalletti They remain in the running and make history as Napoli qualified for the Champions League quarter-finals for the first time.