Video courtesy of nhlsarok
Despite their being no shame in losing to the best team in the world, there was a some trepidation at the circumstances in which Liverpool fell to Real Madrid during their Champions League encounter at Anfield yesterday.
A magical opener from Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo after a set the visitors on their way after enduring a barnstorming opening 20-minutes from their hosts, but there was nothing glittering about the following two goals as the Reds once again showed their vulnerability to set-plays and direct football — much to the disappointment of boss Brendan Rodgers.
“In the first period of the game we were very good with our intensity and pressing. We looked a threat but the first goal knocked us back a little bit. We’re disappointed with it and very quickly then we conceded two more” explained the Northern Irishman with a familiar sense of resignation. “They didn’t have to be at their best to get their goals, particularly the second and third because we need to defend that better and we need to be more aggressive. But I don’t think you can say they didn’t play well or didn’t have to play well, because they did.”
Rodgers will be able to take heart from his sides second half display, but with Bulgaian side PFC Ludogorets claiming a win against FC Basel at home to pull level with the Reds on points, Liverpool’s task of getting out their group has only increased with the Anfield outfit set to face-off against the reigning European champions again in less than a fortnight.
