Real Madrid seem to be ready for El Clasico this Saturday. Los Blancos earned their first win at Anfield Road led by Karim Benzema's brace and Cristiano Ronaldo's first ever goal at Liverpool's stadium.
Liverpool started with a bang, making Real Madrid fall back to their goal, but were not able to reflect their dominant game on the scoreboard. After 23 minutes, James Rodriguez lobbed a beautiful pass into the Reds' box, where Cristiano Ronaldo hit the ball with his right foot to give Madrid the lead. Seven minutes later, Toni Kroos placed a high cross into Liverpool's box. Karim Benzema jumped higher than anyone to head the ball past Simon Mignolet for the second goal.
Four minutes before the half ended, Real Madrid extended their lead after a corner kick controlled by Pepe, who passed the ball to Benzema for the Frenchman's brace. During halftime, Mario Balotelli was replaced with Adam Lallana, being this the only time the Italian made everyone aware of his presence on the pitch.
Real Madrid enjoyed several chances to broaden their lead, but misses by James Rodriguez and Cristiano Ronaldo kept the score just the way it was. Real Madrid will host Liverpool in Matchday 4 of the UEFA Champions League, where all the focus will be set on CR7's possible assault of Raul's all-time UCL scoring record.
How did fans react to Real Madrid's performance, and Mario Balotelli's below average antics? Read below!
1, 1, 1, 3, 4, 1, 1, 3, 2, 1* - @Cristiano's goals count in his last 10 #RealMadrid games... #Ronaldo.
— Kris Voakes (@krisvoakes) October 22, 2014
Champions League top scorers: Raúl - 71 Cristiano Ronaldo - 70 Lionel Messi - 69 pic.twitter.com/pAYtqx7FY2
— Football__Tweet (@Football__Tweet) October 22, 2014
50 ― Cristiano Ronaldo has now scored against 50 different opponents as a Real Madrid player. He faced 51 clubs in total
— Ramon Min (English) (@MilestoneMin) October 22, 2014
STAT OF THE DAY: Cristiano Ronaldo scores a goal every 3 shots. Mario Balotelli scores a goal every 31 shots.
— LucHieLuu (@LucHieLuu) October 22, 2014
Mario Balotelli seen leaving Anfield after being subbed off at half time. pic.twitter.com/99FDWNrOQv
— Football Funnys (@FootballFunnys) October 22, 2014
Mario Balotelli's new vest reads "WHY ALWAYS MEDIOCRE?"
— Oldfirmfacts (@Oldfirmfacts1) October 22, 2014
“@FinallyMario: Man utd ... LOL” FLOP OF THE SEASON
— - (@HerreraTekkers) October 22, 2014