A first half Karim Benzema goal was enough to see Real Madrid defeat Liverpool and seal their place in the knockout stages of the Champions League.
Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers rang the changes for this game, somewhat to the surprise of the Liverpool faithful. Lazar Markovic, Kolo Toure and Fabio Borini all got the nod amongst others for arguably Liverpool's most prestigious Champions League tie since they last travelled to the Bernabeu in 2009. The hosts started a strong side, and with Gareth Bale returning to full fitness on the bench, they certainly had back up as well. Liverpool started the game well, much like the start they made at Anfield on match day three. Despite their good start, moving the ball around and looking lively, Liverpool almost found themselves 1-0 down within four minutes, as James Rodriguez got a yard on the edge of the area only to see his shot palmed away by Simon Mignolet. This moment really set the tone for the rest of the game as Liverpool enjoyed large spells of possession and pressure but Madrid always looked like the ones going to score, and they went close soon after as Martin Skrtel lost the ball which led to Cristiano Ronaldo forcing Mignolet into a good save from Karim Benzema's cut back.
Liverpool have been cost by a lot of individual mistakes this season and Real Madrid's goal kept up this trend. A neat bit of interplay from Toni Kroos and Luka Modric saw Marcelo played in on the left, and his accurate cross was tucked away by Karim Benzema, who pulled off of the lackadaisical Toure to covert home from close range. Lazar Markovic had two surging runs stopped by Raphael Varane and Sergio Ramos, which is really the best "chances" the reds had. Liverpool went in at the break with zero shots on goal.
No changes at the break from either side and no change to the game either. Liverpool keeping ball well but Madrid looking dangerous and Cristiano Ronaldo's costless kick in a dangerous area was easily blocked by Alberto Moreno. Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers knew he had to act quick and proceeded to bring on Raheem Sterling and captain Stephen Gerrard, but in reflection this duo had no impact on the game whatsoever. Ancelloti's first sub did however have an impact, Gareth Bale replaced Rodriguez and not long after coming on Bale was causing trouble. The Welshman hit the bar and had Simon Mignolet beat away a rasping costless kick.
All in all, a disappointing night goal wise but as always an entertaining game. Madrid will be content with the three points against a resilient Liverpool side and Rodgers will be left thinking about what to do with Stephen Gerrard, as his midfield trio looked far livelier without the captain in the side. A respectable performance from the reds but no result, Real Madrid one, Liverpool nil.