Real Madrid vs Liverpool: Player ratings and updates from Champions League tie

Real Madrid 6-2 Liverpool (aggregate).

Real Madrid hosted Liverpool in a game that would normally have fans salivating at the mouth, but there is an air of inevitability about this particular game. We were expecting a big start from Liverpool, but it was Madrid who had the better chances in the first half, only for miracle saves from Alisson Becker, the tie could have been over in the opening 20 minutes. The Reds weren't without their chances, the best probably falling to Cody Gakpo who hit it on the half volley, only for Thibaut Courtois to make a good save. The second half started with a sense of foreboding - it felt like this game was about to spark into life at any moment, but as the clock continued to tick, nothing was really happening. Liverpool's passing was always just slightly over or under hit, and they failed again and again to open up their opposition. Luka Modrić was his usual magical self, and was unfortunate not to get a goal himself with a thunderous shot in the first half. As the game wore on Liverpool looked more and more lethargic, and although Trent Alexander Arnold was on the ball, and getting crosses in the box, few were of any use. Mo Salah spent the whole game chasing down overhit through balls, and the inevitable finally came when Karim Benzema scored at the other end to completely kill the game off. Liverpool are officially out of every competition now, and the only thing they can focus on is achieving fourth place in the Premier League. Liverpool starting XI

• Alisson - 9
• Alexander-Arnold - 6
• Van Dijk - 6
• Konate - 7
• Robertson - 7
• Milner - 6
• Fabinho - 7
• Gakpo - 6
• Nunez - 6
• Jota - 5
• Salah - 7

Real Madrid's starting XI

• Courtois - 8
• Carvajal - 7
• Militao - 8
• Rudiger - 7
• Nacho - 7
• Modric - 8
• Camavinga - 8
• Kroos - 7
• Valverde - 7
• Benzema - 8
• Vinicius Junior - 8

Related links:

• Real Madrid plan Erling Haaland move as part of squad revamp
• Caoimhin Kelleher set to leave Liverpool and it is obvious where he should go next
• Marcus Rashford talks about Bruno Fernandes' attitude against Liverpool