MADRID, - Yossi Benayoun’s header eight minutes from time earned Liverpool a 1-0 win away to Real Madrid in their Champions League last 16 first leg clash on Wednesday.
The Israeli midfielder nodded in Fabio Aurelio’s freekick from wide on the right, after a tight tactical battle between the two former European champions.
Liverpool had the best two efforts in the first half, and it was just when the Spanish champions looked to be applying the pressure towards the end when Liverpool scored.
Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard, out for three weeks with a hamstring strain, came on as a late substitute and should be able to play a more prominent role in the return leg at Anfield on March 10.
“We came to play on the counter-attack and work hard in defence. Credit goes to the players because they worked very hard to adhere to our tactical plan,” Liverpool coach Rafael Benitez said.
After all the pre-match speculation over the fitness of Gerrard Benitez left him on the bench, and fielded a starting eleven with five Spaniards—compared to three in Real’s side.
In a crackling atmosphere the home side dominated the early possession and were keen to get Dutch winger Arjen Robben into the action at every opportunity.
Raul squirmed clear to test Pepe Reina with a weak shot after five minutes as Liverpool were forced on to the back foot but it all soon settled down into a cautious cat and mouse encounter.
Liverpool striker Fernando Torres, a former player of Real’s city rivals Atletico, was booed every time he touched the ball, but broke clear down the right for the visitors’ first chance in the 21st minute, stinging Iker Casillas’ hands with a fierce shot.
Real had a goal ruled out for offside after 30 minutes but again it was Liverpool who threatened when Xabi Alonso’s speculative shot from just over the halfway line forced Casillas to scuttle back and push the ball over the bar.
Real coach Juande Ramos brought on Guti at halftime to try and open up the visitors and Torres, struggling after an ankle knock, gave way for Ryan Babel after an hour.
“Torres had a swollen ankle from almost the first minute though the doctors felt he could continue. But he was feeling uncomfortable so we changed him. It will be difficult for him to be fit for the next game,” Benitez added.
Robben shook off his markers and forced Reina to tip his long-range shot over in the 70th as Real steadily tightened their grip towards the end.
But a clumsy foul from Gabriel Heinze wide on the right gave Liverpool their chance and Benayoun’s powerful header gave Casillas no chance, as Real’s nine-mach winning streak was brought to an end.
Real coach Ramos said: “Liverpool’s main strength tonight was their defence. They didn’t take any risks and hardly created any chances apart from the one where they scored which came from a set play.
“We are down by one goal but are only halfway through the tie. They have the advantage but we are capable of going and winning at any stadium.” (Writing by Mark Elkington, editing by Justin Palmer)
