Liverpool were hammered by Real Madrid thanks to braces from Vinicius Junior and Karim Benzema – leaving Jurgen Klopp’s side on the brink of a Champions League exit
Vinicius Junior rubbed salt in Liverpool’s wounds on Tuesday night by copying Cristiano Ronaldo’s ‘nap’ celebration at Anfield.
Liverpool were dismantled by Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid after racing into a two-goal lead during the first leg of their last-16 Champions League clash. The holders scored five goals in response to put one foot in the quarter-finals of this season’s tournament.
The star of the show was Vinicius, who scored a lovely goal to get Real back into the tie before forcing Alisson into a costly mistake. After completing his brace, the Brazil international was keen to pay tribute to Ronaldo by emulating his iconic celebration.
Ronaldo is not a popular figure on Merseyside after winning nine trophies with bitter rivals Manchester United. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner is also Real’s record scorer after hitting 450 goals in 438 appearances for the Spanish giants between 2009 and 2018.
Vinicius never got the chance to play alongside Ronaldo at the Bernabeu, as the Portugal international signed for Juventus in the summer of 2018. Although Vinicius agreed to join Real in May 2017, the transfer was not finalised until the following summer.
Liverpool opened the scoring when Darwin Nunez’s cute flick deceived Real goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. The former Chelsea stopper was left embarrassed a few moments later after getting his feet mixed up, which allowed Mohamed Salah to score a simple goal.
Real equalised thanks to Vinicius’ efforts before thrashing Liverpool in the second half. Eder Militao’s header made it 3-2, but it was Karim Benzema’s brace that gave the visitors a commanding lead. Liverpool now have a mountain to climb in Madrid on March 15.
“World class!” Alan Shearer told BBC Radio 5 Live after Vinicius’ first goal. “Defenders all over Vinicius Jr, no space whatsoever but he just picks his spot and curls it into the far corner. Alisson had no chance – what a response that is!”
Shearer was also full of praise for Vinicius at the interval. “Every time he got the ball on the left-hand side for Real Madrid, he has looked so dangerous,” said the Newcastle hero.
Ronaldo first did his ‘nap’ celebration after scoring for United after scoring the winner in their 2-1 triumph at Everton last October. It is believed the celebration originated from an in-joke between the veteran forward, 38, and his then United teammates.
Ronaldo has enjoyed a long and successful career. One of the reasons why is because of the way he looks after his body. It is said the Portugal international enjoys plenty of rest and naps to ensure he is in perfect condition ahead of matchdays.
Ronaldo left United last November after criticising the club, manager Erik ten Hag and several other individuals during a sensational interview with Piers Morgan. He has since joined Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr and has scored five goals in his first four league games.
