Real Madrid produced a stunning performance at Alfredo de Stefano stadium in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter final tie against Liverpool to win 3-1.
Shorn of first-choice defenders Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane, Madrid took the game to the English champions in what was their first meeting between since the 2018 final. They didn’t hesitate to expose the Reds’ defensive frailties.
Brazilian winger Vinicius Junior gave Madrid the lead in the 27minute before Marco Asensio capitalized on Trent Alexander Arnolds’ awful back pass to double the lead.
Mohamed Salah snatched a potentially crucial away goal for Liverpool right after resumption of the second half but Vinicus junior completed his brace in the 65 minute to ensure a first-leg advantage for the 13-time European champions.
Elsewhere, Phil Foden’s last minute wonderful strike helped Manchester City squeeze a slender 2-1 advantage over Borussia Dortmund. Belgian International Kevin De Bruyne gave City the lead after only 19 minutes.
Borrusia captain Marco Reus snatched an crucial away goal for the Germans but Phil Foden’s majestic finish ensured the first win in the first leg for Pep Guardiola.