European Champions League

Real Madrid 0 - Liverpool 1

Madrid: Casillas; Sergio Ramos, Cannavaro (Sneijder 46'), Pepe, Heinze; Robben, Lass, Gago, Marcelo (Guti 46'); Higuaín, Raúl. 4-4-2.
Liverpool: Reina; Arbeloa, Carragher, Skrtel, Fabio Aurelio; Xabi Alonso, Mascherano; Benayoun, Kuyt (Lucas Leiva 92'), Riera (Gerrard 88'); Fernando Torres (Babel 61'). 4-2-3-1.

Goals:
0-1. 82. Benayoun. Got free of marker to head Aurelio free kick past Casillas.

Real Madrid's continuity in the Champions League is at serious risk after a 0-1 defeat against Liverpool on Tuesday evening. Rafa Benítez's side had done their homework, and apart from an early effort from Raúl which Reina kept out they didn't cause too may problems for the visitors early on. Fernando Torres and Benayoun both brought good saves out of Casillas midway through the first half, and it was not until later in the first half that Marcelo and Robben went close.

Xabi Alonso almost caught Casillas out with a long shot just before the interval, and fired a shot just wide again soon after the restart. After that though Liverpool shut up shop, and only Robben looked like scoring. With ten minutes to go however Heinze fouled Kuyt down his flank, and Benayoun caught out a sleepy defence to head the winner from Fabio Aurelio's free kick. Ninety minutes in Anfield still remain, but Madrid need to play a blinder if they are to reach the quarter finals.