While in control, the "Kings of Europe" had many chances, but it was not until the 78th that Benzema managed to break through the Alisson wall, taking advantage of a dragging ball slipped by Vinicius, after a very nice pass filtered by Eduardo Camavinga through the English defense.

But the French goleador grimaced immediately after scoring: back from a minor ankle injury after a week of absence, the Real "Nueve" asked for the change in the wake and came out limping, visibly hit an ankle, again.

A detail to watch for Carlo Ancelotti. But despite this hiccup, the "White House" became Wednesday with Napoli (winner of Eintracht Frankfurt 3-0) the last team to reach the quarters of C1, and will know its opponent of the next round in the draw of Friday in Nyon (Switzerland).

Camavinga, the nice surprise

As expected, the Italian wizard with four Champions Leagues (a record) has learned the lesson of last year against Chelsea, and has drawn a less defensive and more playful scheme. Winners 3-1 in the first leg, the "Merengues" had been pushed to extra time by the "Blues", but Benzema, as Wednesday, had qualified his team, for the semis this time, thanks to a goal in extra time (96th).

Real midfielder Eduardo Camavinga (l) battles with Liverpool striker Roberto Firmino on March 15, 2023 in Madrid © Pierre-Philippe Marcou / AFP

On Wednesday, the French centre-forward, who has often teamed up with the untenable Vinicius, could have opened the scoring earlier (14th, 52nd, 69th), but was regularly caught offside.

And Real's Brazilian dynamiter was one of the first to alert Liverpool's Brazilian goalkeeper in the 14th, with a recovery at the second post, miraculously cleared by Alisson.

Camavinga, a surprise starter in midfield in place of his French compatriot Aurélien Tchouaméni, also heaved a sigh at the Bernabéu a few minutes later (20th): his heavy strike, from twenty-five meters, was touched by Alisson and then crashed on the crossbar.

And in the midst of it all, Liverpool also had their chances to close the four-goal gap that separated them from the quarters before kick-off. But neither Mohamed Salah (7th), nor Diogo Jota (18th), nor Cody Gakpo (26th), nor Darwin Nunez (33rd) managed to pass Thibaut Courtois, impeccable.

Real striker Vinicius tackled by Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konaté, on March 15, 2023 in Madrid © Pierre-Philippe Marcou / AFP

The love story continues

It must be said that a defeat by more than three goals at the Bernabéu was highly unlikely: according to Spanish statistician MisterChip, Real have lost only eleven of their 1,777 matches at the Bernabéu by more than three goals apart. And none in European competitions.

Liverpool striker Mohamed Salah tackled by Real defender Nacho Fernandez, on March 15, 2023 in Madrid © JAVIER SORIANO / AFP

But Liverpool had done it before: in 2019, the Reds lost 3-0 at Camp Nou and then won the second leg 4-0 at Anfield, becoming the fourth team to manage to qualify after losing the first leg by three or more goals.

This time, against Real, the step was too high.

On Wednesday, for its 300th Champions League match, Real Madrid offered a full evening to its supporters: after the "Champions of miracles" last year, the 14th in the history of the club, the love story between the "Cup with big ears" and the Spanish club continues.

For its part, Liverpool, dropped in the title race in the league (6th to 24 points of Arsenal), and eliminated from all other competitions, now has almost nothing to play. Klopp will have to try to keep his group mobilized to try to hang the top 4 in the Premier League, synonymous with qualification for the next edition of the Champions League. Tottenham, 4th, is six points behind the Reds.

© 2023 AFP