The football miracle did not materialize, for Jürgen Klopp and Liverpool FC the Champions League ended after the round of 16. The English football runners-up with the German team manager said goodbye to the defending champions Real Madrid from the premier class with a 0-1 (0-0). After the 2:5 home defeat in the first leg, the chances were already reduced to a minimum. Karim Benzema scored the only goal at the Santiago Bernabeu (78′).
“The will is there. The boys want to, but they couldn’t tonight. Finding the reasons why, that’s my job,” said Klopp on DAZN: “We weren’t good enough, that’s why we’re out.“
It is unclear when the title holder from 2005 and 2019 will return to the Champions League. Because after a mixed season and the embarrassing 1-0 defeat at relegation candidates AFC Bournemouth, the Reds are currently six points behind fourth place in the domestic Premier League, which entitles them to participate in the premier class.
Real with Toni Kroos and Antonio Rüdiger showed a dominant performance and underlined the claim to his ninth Champions League title. “I think we did well. The only shortcoming was the conversion of chances, it could have been better,” said Rüdiger.
Vinicius Junior (15′) and Eduardo Camavinga, whose shot deflected Liverpool keeper Alisson to the crossbar (23′), had great chances for the royals early on. Even after the break, the Brazilian saved within seconds against Federico Valverde and Benzema (53rd). At 0:1, however, he had no chance.