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The first leg of the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final encounter between Real Madrid and Liverpool took place and even though Liverpool has been struggling with home form, they have been in good form in the Champions League but their bad form took a toll on them for this tie and Real Madrid wielded the advantage for this first leg ahead of the second leg.
Real Madrid hosted Liverpool for this tie and you would expect two attacking teams to get fans on the edge of their seats and Vinicius was the man who did quite a lot in this match for Madrid. It's a tough one for Liverpool against the 13 time Champions.
Real Madrid showed they came for business when Mendy easily beat Arnold and found Vinicius in the 13th minute. His header was steered but he missed just by fractions. That would have been an early blow against Liverpool.
Not to be denied for too long, Toni Kroos long-range pass found Vinicius Junior in the 27th minute and he raced to the ball while slotting it past Alisson to register the first goal of the night, 1-0.
Real Madrid wasn't done as another error led to a goal for Real Madrid in the 36th minute. Alexander Arnold header came to the path of Asensio who easily lifted the ball away from Alisson and slotted into the empty net to make it 2-0.
Liverpool got their crucial away goal in the 52nd minute after Wijnaldum ran the length of the field while skipping past a challenge. He found Jota whose shot was blocked off and it fell to Salah. Salah composed himself and roofed the ball into the net to make it 2-1. At this point, hope has been renewed for Liverpool.
Real Madrid denied any hope of a comeback for Liverpool in the 64th minute when a throw-in was played to Benzema who found Modric. Modric drove into the box and found Vinicius. Vinicius struck his effort the first time and easily beat the goalkeeper to register his second goal of the night and make the scoreline 3-1.
Real Madrid won the first leg and have the advantage even though Liverpool got the away goal. They have it all to do in the second leg if they are to qualify for the Semifinals. Liverpool would have to do the extraordinary if they can beat Madrid by 2 goals without a reply and Madrid would be seeking to score an away goal too when they meet. It makes it even more interesting for the second leg.
Who is your favourite to qualify despite the scoreline? Football is full of surprises and we have seen quite a few in previous seasons and even this one. What's your pick?
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