Real Madrid 1-0 Liverpool (6-2): Benzema's goal eases Los Blancos through

There was no miracle. Liverpool gave Real Madrid an open game, but Jürgen Klopp still can't find the formula against Los Blancos, who are into the Champions League quarterfinal and await their opponents in Friday's draw. Karim Benzema scored the only goal in a 1-0 win as Madrid won 6-2 on aggregate.

There were three clear chances per team in the first half. Liverpool came out with a very attacking XI knowing that they had to get on the ball from the start. Practically four strikers, with Gapko in front of the Fabinho-Milner double pivot and a line of three up front, with Salah and Darwin more on the flanks, and Diogo Jota as a false '9'.

Madrid responded to the challenge of the back-and-forth game, as that is how they feel most comfortable. Also, it has to be said, because of the peace of mind of having a three-goal lead and the security imposed by Courtois, who after just six minutes had already prevented the Reds' first goal with a good save.

Ancelotti put out a classic XI in which Camavinga showed that his best position is in midfield. Alisson was on hand first to block a Kroos cross and then a Vinicius' close-range effort. A left-footed shot from Camavinga then crashed against the crossbar. Modric also had a shot, but it went high. Real Madrid's midfielders were at a good level in the first half.

When the home side relaxed, Liverpool had two good chances, but in both of them Courtois emerged as a towering figure. The first, after Darwin cut back and shot across the face of goal. The Belgian deflect edthe ball away, as he did later on in a shot, this one less clear, from Gapko.

The game remained open after the restart. With Liverpool leaving more and more space, also as a result of desperation, Valverde had the first chance when he was left alone in front of Alisson. Benzema was unable to capitalise on the rebound which followed -- but he made no mistake later.

After a pass from Vinicius, he almost had no choice but to send the ball into the net into an empty net. The Frenchman was injured in the action, though, and was replaced shortly afterward by Rodrygo.

Referee Zwayer did not give a penalty for a handball from Tsimikas after a VAR review. In two minutes Tsimikas almost gave a penalty away and was yellow carded for an elbow on Ceballos. It was the culmination of a sad night for Liverpool.