First Half Advantage

Real Madrid 0 Liverpool 1
Benayoun 82

A much anticipated match between 2 big European Champions giants, Liverpool and Real Madrid. 9 times vs 5 times winner, what else beats that? With Real Madrid with 9 matches unbeaten run in the league, Liverpool is facing one of the best form team in the Champions League.

Liverpool has just suffered a blow in their league with 7 points behind leaders Manchester United, hoping that they can regain some morale back at the brilliant stadium, Bernabeau . I'm impressed by this fantastic infrastructure when I was watching the game last night.

With Steven Gerrard not fully fit, it's important for the rest of the team to step up and put up a performance and fortunately, the rest did not disappoint. Kuyt supporting Torres upfront, Alonso back in midfield with Mascherano.

It's very critical for these players to rise up to the occassion, against the likes of Robben, Raul, Gago and company. A very resilient and strong defence put up by Rafa, closing and pressing on every ball on the pitch, not allowing Real Madrid to play their football.



Xabi Alonso, had a brilliant match. Man of the match in my opinion. Controlled midfield, dictate play, protected the back four. Great vision in passing and it's hard to imagine that if we have sold him in the summer. He had an effort himself from the middle of park, which almost gave Iker Casilas a scare.



The winner came in the 82th minute of the game. A beautiful Fabio Aurelio's freekick from the right met one of the smallest players on the pitch, Yossi Benayoun, who headed into the goal. I flew off my chair while you see the Liverpool players celebrating at the corner flag. Sucker punch, Liverpool got the precious away goal.

Real Madrid was shocked, clueless on how to penetrate the big red wall of Liverpool has built. Other than Robben, I don't anyone else who is able to do it. Credits to the Liverpool players, they sat deep and defended superbly.

A fantastic win and I'm sure it is a good morale booster for them for the remaining of the season. Having said that, it's only half time. We have an away goal advantage but we cannot take anything for granted. Let's take every game at a time and we will see how the season shapes for us.

You'll Never Walk Alone..