After becoming quite familiar with Anfield during his time at Manchester United, Cristiano Ronaldo notched his first ever-goal there in Real Madrid’s 3-0 win over Liverpool.
Much was made of Real Madrid’s big week but they started it in comfortable fashion with a 3-0 victory over Liverpool, a club that had previously not beat in Europe’s elite competition. The European champions wanted to right some wrongs after suffering three defeats from as many matches against their opposition in Europe and they did just that on Merseyside.
Cristiano Ronaldo had some wrongs to right too after failing to find the back of the net in five previous visits to Anfield and his opener put his side on their way to victory. He could not reach Raul’s competition record of 71 goals, but he is now just one short and will surely surpass that figure before the end of the group stage.
Just as importantly, perhaps, for Madrid was the fact they suffered no injuries from the match just three days before El Clasico. The fast track to victory also helped rest key men such as Ronaldo, pass master Toni Kroos and Marcelo earlier than expected. The European champions are showing they are more than capable of becoming the first team to defend their crown since it changed to the current format.
Player Ratings (1-10; 10=best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
(GK) Iker Casillas, 6 — Despite Liverpool carving out their fair share of chances, Madrid’s captain did not have much work to do but he played his part in helping Los Blancos keep their third clean sheet on the spin. Iker did produce one fine save to deny Joe Allen from long range before half-time but was again uncertain from crosses, although Liverpool were unable to capitalise. He did it on his 143rd Champions League appearance, joining Barcelona’s Xavi as the player to have the most appearances in the competition.
(DF) Alvaro Arbeloa, 7 — Arbeloa was preferred to Dani Carvajal on his return to Anfield and produced a performance that will have left many Liverpool fans wondering why they sold him in the first place. Arbeloa knows all about the Anfield experience on European nights and he showed that experience by the bucket load, despite often coming up against the jet-heeled Raheem Sterling.
(DF) Marcelo, 7 — With Madrid switching to 4-4-2 in Gareth Bale’s absence, Isco played on the left of a midfield four, but the fact he cut inside throughout the match left the Brazilian with plenty of space to exploit and he did just that. Marcelo is a full-back who likes to push forward and has been caught out against lesser teams without being punished in recent weeks. He showed more discipline at Anfield, however.
(DF) Pepe, 7 — A tense battle was expected with fellow hothead Mario Balotelli, but Pepe produced a calm and collected performance alongside Raphael Varane. He had to be disciplined throughout and was to give his manager a welcome selection headache ahead of Saturday’s Clasico with Sergio Ramos set to return from injury. Provided the scrappy assist for Karim Benzema’s second goal before half-time.
(DF) Raphael Varane, 8 — The Frenchman returned from a fever that kept him out of Saturday’s thumping victory at Levante and again showed he’s capable of cutting it on the big stage with a strong performance alongside Pepe. Despite a comfortable night for the European champions, Liverpool still had plenty of the ball in the final third, and created plenty of chances, but Varane was more than up to the task.
(MF) Toni Kroos, 8 — Champions League nights are made for players such as Kroos, who calmed the initial Liverpool storm and provided another passing master class against a team who also love to pass the ball about. His pass success rate was again superb and he kept Madrid ticking throughout. With the damage done and with Saturday’s clash with Barcelona in mind, he was replaced by Asier Illarramendi late on. Provided the assist for Benzema’s first goal with a pinpoint cross to the back post.
(MF) Luka Modric, 7 — In a game that was all about the midfield battle, Modric hit the ground running after his starring show at Levante on the weekend — a vital contribution against a Liverpool midfield that caused a few problems, especially early on, and that had Sterling running from deep. The night was more about his defensive qualities and, much like his goal-line clearance at Levante at the weekend, he did a sound job to help out Madrid’s back four.
(MF) Isco, 7 — The Spain under-21 international made an early error with his passing but recovered to win the ball back and that set him up for the night. He was hardworking in the middle as he looked to win a regular place following his man-of-the-match showing at Levante. Caused the Liverpool midfield plenty of problems throughout.
(MF) James Rodriguez, 7 — The Colombian took a blow to the head early on but was able to continue and that did not deter him from producing a brilliant chipped assist for Ronaldo’s brilliant opener. The former Monaco man continues to grow into Carlo Ancelotti’s side, despite playing in another position on the right of a midfield four, although his contribution did wane late in the game.
(FW) Karim Benzema, 8 — Madrid’s man of the match. The hard work was this time rewarded with a brace of goals as the Frenchman continued to silence his doubters. He came on and changed the game for Madrid when they struggled at Ludogorets last time out and his two goals helped Madrid bag three more points on Merseyside. Despite playing alongside Ronaldo in a front two, his work rate continued and he goes into the Clasico in top form.
(FW) Cristiano Ronaldo, 8 — Ronaldo bagged his goal, ending a run of five games without one at Anfield during his playing days with Manchester United, but he was frustrated for the most part against a Liverpool defence with a clear ploy to thwart him. Ultimately, it didn’t work, but Ronaldo did enough to help his side win the game. He was taken off with the Clasico in mind and replaced by the more defensive-minded Sami Khedira.
Stars of the Show: Karim Benzema’s and Cristiano Ronaldo’s class shone through against Liverpool.
Substitutes:
(MF) Sami Khedira, 6 — Replaced Ronaldo with 16 minutes to go as Ancelotti looked to rest his star man ahead of the weekend and help shore up shop defensively.
(MF) Asier Illarramendi, N/R — Subbed on for Toni Kroos in the 82nd minute.
(MF) Nacho, N/R — Subbed on for Marcelo in the 85th minute.