Liverpool were embarrassed on a torturous night at Anfield as Real Madrid ran riot in the Champions league.
The game started so well for Liverpool – two goals up inside 15 minute. From that point on though, things could hardly have gone worse.
They head to Madrid with it all to and their pride very much on the line.
Here’s how we rated the players on a really tough night for Liverpool.
Defence
Alisson Becker: 4 – Made one good save to deny Vinicius, but beaten five times. Howler for the Madrid equaliser which was arguably the night’s turning point.
Trent Alexander-Arnold: 5 – Some incisive forward play and linked up well with Jordan Henderson down the right. Didn’t cope with Vinicius all that well.
Joe Gomez: 2 – Two feels generous for Gomez tonight. Showed why he’s fourth choice at best currently. Absolutely abysmal throughout. Will get more chances, but performances like this have to seriously question his suitability for Liverpool.
Virgil van Dijk: 3 – Didn’t look able to command his defence at all. Huge questions have to be asked for the Eder Militao goal.
Andy Robertson: 6 – Perhaps the only member of the defence not culpable for any goal. Made a perfect goal-saving challenge on Rodrygo at 2-2
Midfield
Fabinho: 5 – Looked back to his best in the opening half hour or so but faded badly. Offered no protection as the game become stretched.
Stefan Bajcetic: 4 – Four feels harsh on Bajcetic, but perhaps this was one game too far for the youngster. Gave it away needlessly in the build up to Vinicius’ equaliser.
Jordan Henderson: 3 – Doesn’t look good enough to be starting these games for Liverpool anymore. Legs went as the energy around him disappeared too.
Attack
Mohamed Salah: 6 Man of the Match – The only player who’s quality didn’t drop thorughout. Got his rewards from Thibaut Courtois’ moment of madness.
Cody Gakpo: 5 – Some sloppy touches with Liverpool in good positions. Didn’t ever really look like scoring.
Darwin Nunez: 5 – Brilliant early finish but that was as good as it got for Darwin. Wasted an excellent chance to counter-attack at 4-2.
Subs
Diogo Jota: 5 – Worked hard but brought on too late.
Roberto Firmino: 5 – See above, not given enough time to make any kind of difference.
James Milner: 5 – Ran hard as ever but not the quality Liverpool need to be bringing on when in need of three goals.
Harvey Elliott: N/A – No time to make a difference.
Joel Matip: 10 – Only for replacing the truly inept Joe Gomez.