Breaking

Benzema Dedicates Madrid Win to Late Great Amancio

Karim Benzema said Real Madrid needed time to get going but showed their true colours eventually as they thrashed Liverpool 5-2 at Anfield in the Champions League last 16 first leg on Tuesday.

The France forward dedicated the win to late Madrid great Amancio Amaro, who died at 83 earlier in the day.

“It’s a very important night for us, I want to dedicate this win to our honorary president, Amancio,” Madrid captain Benzema told Movistar.

“This victory is for him, with personality, goals. We want this Champions League.

“It was a beautiful game for everyone because we started a bit badly, we know Liverpool with their fans put on a lot of pressure, but after 15, 20 minutes, then we saw Real Madrid.”

Liverpool went two goals ahead at the start but Madrid came back with a vengeance to run out comfortable winners.

Vinicius Junior, who netted the winner against Jurgen Klopp’s side in the 2022 final, hit a brace, as did Benzema, while Eder Militao scored a header.

“We know football is always difficult, they started well,” added Benzema.

“Two errors after 14 minutes, we need to do more — what we did until the end.

“A goal can change everything and it happened today.”

Darwin Nunez sent Liverpool ahead with a fine flicked finish and then Mohamed Salah netted the second for the hosts after an uncharacteristic error from Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.

The Belgian international gave the ball away in front of goal to the grateful Salah, who tucked it away.

“It was a bit of bad luck to mess it up like that, I controlled it well and at first I wanted to pass it but I saw Salah stopped and so I said I’ll go to my right foot, but it bounced off my knee,” Courtois told Movistar.

“Vini’s goal allowed us to breathe and then Alisson did the same (as me) and on the counter we are strong.”

Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson had kicked the ball away under pressure from Vinicius and the ball hit the Brazilian and flew into the net to level the score at 2-2.

Courtois did not think the win necessarily marked out record 14 time winners Madrid as clear favourites to lift the trophy again.

“Madrid will always be in the fight until the end, (but) I think Liverpool aren’t the same team they were last year. They are more vulnerable at the back.”

Follow us on:

AriseNews

Recent Posts

Iran’s Supreme Leader Threatens ‘Crushing Response’ To US And Israeli Actions Amid Ongoing Tensions

Iran's Supreme Leader has warned the US and Israel of a "crushing response" following an…

3 hours ago

Kemi Badenoch Wins Conservative Leadership, Vows Party Renewal, A Return to Traditional Values

Kemi Badenoch has pledged to "renew" the Conservative Party and reclaim voters as she was…

8 hours ago

Peter Obi Criticises Court Ruling Halting Rivers State Funds, Calls for Reversal

Peter Obi has criticised the court ruling withholding funds to Rivers State, calling it disturbing…

14 hours ago

AGF Fagbemi Takes Over Prosecution of #EndBadGovernance Protesters Amidst Allegations of Treason

AGF Fagbemi has taken over the prosecution of 114 #EndBadGovernance protesters, addressing alleged treason and…

14 hours ago

NNPC, ONHYM Advance African Atlantic Gas Pipeline Project Amid Regional Collaboration

NNPC and Morocco's ONHYM has advanced the $26 billion African Atlantic Gas Pipeline, emphasising regional…

14 hours ago

TCN Restores Power Supply Through Gombe-Damaturu-Maiduguri Line

TCN has restored power on the Gombe-Damaturu-Maiduguri line, fully operational again after vandalism halted service.

14 hours ago