Aveek Chaudhuri, April 7, 2021

Real Madrid will certainly feel more comfortable about their Champions League quarter finals matchup with Liverpool after a convincing 3-1 win over the Reds on Tuesday. Two goals from Vinicius Junior and one from Marco Asensio helped Zidane’s men secure the first leg win. Although they were completely outplayed in every aspect, Jurgen Klopp’s men were still able to find one away goal.

Real Madrid completely dominated the match in terms of shots and chances. Los Blancos had 16 total shots on the day, with an astounding 7 on target. Meanwhile, Liverpool had 7 total shots with a very poor 1 on target. And even though Liverpool had 55% possession, it was Madrid who made the most with their possession, creating chance after chance.

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The likes of Ferland Mendy and Toni Kroos were simply magnificent on the day for Madrid. Kroos’s assist to Vinicius Junior for Madrid’s first goal was beautiful, with an amazing long ball from deep in Madrid’s half to Vinicius on the other end who finished past Alisson Becker. And Ferland Mendy was tearing up the left hand side of the pitch, giving Trent Alexander-Arnold a defensive nightmare. Mendy exposed Alexander-Arnold multiple times and with Vinicius, simply wreaked havoc on the left.

Madrid’s defense must also be commended, with their great composure and stability despite missing two star defenders in Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane. However, Nacho, Eder Militao, and Lucas Vazquez all stepped up and locked down Liverpool’s front three of Salah, Mane, and Jota. Madrid’s defensive line was world class on the day and really performed on the big stage.

Zidane’s side will be very pleased with this result which sees them take a considerable advantage in the tie. And seeing what happened to Barcelona in 2019, Zidane and his side will be especially careful not to let Liverpool make any comeback. With another world class performance, Madrid can certainly return to the semi finals for the first time since 2018.