Real Madrid went 2-0 down in the first quarter of an hour on Tuesday night and then Vinícius scored with a stunning curling effort. The Brazilian scored again to make it 2-2 before the break. Los Blancos’ comeback was on the cards.
The reigning European champions came out in the second half and scored three more; five goals without reply at Anfield.
Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti spoke to Movistar+ after his side’s Champions League win over Liverpool, who they also beat in last year’s Champions League final.
It’s never easy going to Anfield, especially when you go 2-0 down on a European night. Ancelotti discussed playing away to Jurgen Klopp’s side tonight.
Difficult going to Anfield
“It’s not easy, especially the way the game started. We lost confidence but slowly we took control of the ball and were always very effective up front. Vinícius played an incredible game. The first half of this tie went well,” Ancelotti said in quotes reported by Diario AS.
What did you think about going 2-0 down?
Real Madrid know how to come back in Europe, and did it against PSG, Chelsea and Manchester City last season.
“I thought a bit about the Manchester City game. I was hoping the same thing would happen and the same thing happened and it was even better. Our heads didn’t drop. We improved defensively. They hurt us on the left because [Jordan] Henderson was getting in there a lot. We controlled the second half better by putting [Fede] Valverde on the left,” Ancelotti added.
Is the tie over?
The second leg takes place at the Santiago Bernabéu on 15 March and Ancelotti was asked post-match if it’s already over as a tie.
“No, because Liverpool suffered in the second half, but we suffered in the first half. They pushed a lot in the first half. We have to be satisfied because it was a good game and look forward to the next game.”
Kieran Quaile | GSFN
