UEFA Champions League 2022-23, Liverpool Vs Real Madrid: Karim Benzema, Vinicius Junior Help Real Madrid Thrash Liverpool At Anfield - In Pics

Vinicius Jr. and Karim Benzema scored two goals each to stun the hosts, Liverpool as the English Premier League side conceded four goals in a home European match for the first time as Real Madrid beat the Reds 5-2 and confirmed the Spanish giant will take some stopping in its defence of the trophy. Despite taking the lead in the first half, Liverpool were sloppy in the midfield and defence as the Los Blancos ran riot at Anfield. With Jurgen Klopp's side struggling in the domestic league, winning the UCL was their only hope of gaining access into Europe next season. However, with this 1st leg defeat, Real Madrid will need some stopping from Liverpool in the second leg.

Updated: 22 Feb 2023 12:05 pm

UEFA Champions League 2022-23: Liverpool Vs Real Madrid | Photo: AP/Jon Super

Liverpool's Mohamed Salah gestures at the end of the Champions League, round of 16, first leg soccer match between Liverpool and Real Madrid at the Anfield stadium in Liverpool, England.

Real Madrid's Luka Modric, left, passes the ball past Liverpool's Roberto Firmino during the Champions League, round of 16, first leg soccer match between Liverpool and Real Madrid at the Anfield stadium in Liverpool, England.

Real Madrid's Karim Benzema, left, runs with the ball past Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk during the Champions League, round of 16, first leg soccer match between Liverpool and Real Madrid at the Anfield stadium in Liverpool, England.

Real Madrid's Eduardo Camavinga runs with the ball during the Champions League, round of 16, first leg soccer match between Liverpool and Real Madrid at the Anfield stadium in Liverpool, England.

Liverpool players gesture after Real Madrid's Karim Benzema, scores his side's fifth goal during the Champions League, round of 16, first leg soccer match between Liverpool and Real Madrid at the Anfield stadium in Liverpool, England.

Real Madrid's Karim Benzema, second right, celebrates after scoring his side's fourth goal during the Champions League, round of 16, first leg soccer match between Liverpool and Real Madrid at the Anfield stadium in Liverpool, England.

Real Madrid's Karim Benzema, right, scores his side's fifth goal during the Champions League, round of 16, first leg soccer match between Liverpool and Real Madrid at the Anfield stadium in Liverpool, England.

Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior celebrates after scoring his side's opening goal during the Champions League, round of 16, first leg soccer match between Liverpool and Real Madrid at the Anfield stadium in Liverpool, England.

Liverpool's Mohamed Salah, left, celebrates with Liverpool's Fabinho after scoring his side's second goal during the Champions League, round of 16, first leg soccer match between Liverpool and Real Madrid at the Anfield stadium in Liverpool, England.

Liverpool fans cheer ahead of the Champions League, round of 16, first leg soccer match between Liverpool and Real Madrid at the Anfield stadium in Liverpool, England.