UCL: Benzema Dashes Liverpool's Comeback Hope To Ease Madrid Into Quarterfinals

Liverpool fans were hoping for a miracle as they entered the match against Real Madrid, but their hopes were soon dashed as the World Champions extended their lead to 6-2 on aggregate.

Liverpool lined up a 4-2-4 formation with German tactician Jurgen Klopp going bold with Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo, Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez but it was holders Madrid who secured their place in the quarterfinals of the Champions League with a 1-0 victory in Wednesday's second leg.

Karim Benzema was the hero for Real Madrid, scoring the only goal of the game in Spain to help the record 14-time European champions ease into the last eight. The victory was a continuation of their 5-2 triumph at Anfield in February, a result that put them in the driver's seat for the second leg.

Liverpool, still reeling from the loss of key players due to injury, struggled to keep up with their opponents. Real Madrid, on the other hand, looked confident and in control, moving the ball around with ease and creating several scoring opportunities.

Despite Liverpool's best efforts to mount a comeback, Real Madrid's solid defence proved too much to break through, and the game ended in a disappointing defeat for the visitors.

As Real Madrid celebrated their progression to the quarterfinals, Liverpool were left to reflect on what might have been. Nevertheless, their fans remained proud of the team's efforts and looked forward to their next challenge.