Cristiano Ronaldo and Co. ensures Anfield upset before El Clasico.
ANFIELD - Carlo Ancelotti's men cruised to a 3-0 away win against the struggling Reds yesterday night.
Two Karim Benzema goals and Cristiano Ronaldo's wonder strike ensured Real Madrid victory before El Clasico which is to be played on this Saturday.
Real Madrid and Liverpool started the game shakingly with coordination very little between them. The game really came into control when Ronaldo played a one-two with Benzema and passed it to James who flung a chipped-cross for Ronaldo's opener. The Portugese completed a half-volley off James cross which gave Real the lead and Ronaldo his first at Anfield and third goal against Liverpool.
Real Madrid completely had the control of the game though Sterling and Balotelli tried some but all of those were well defended and blocked by Raphael Varane and Pepe.
Real struck another when Toni Kroos whipped in a cross which was met by a wonderful header by Karim Benzema.
Anfield was further upset when Pepe assisted Benzema from a Toni Kroos corner with five minutes remaining in the first half. The Frenchman scored a clean tap-in what was his second and last goal of the game.
Liverpool's first real threat came when Coutinho hit a cross bar at the end of second half.
The second half was quite balanced as Madrid made sure there were no more injuries as Ronaldo was substituted.
Adam Lallana was bought on for Balo and Liverpool only manage one threat from a Gerard's long range.
Isco, Modric and James attacked pretty well alongside Benzema who tipped in a beautiful pass to Ronaldo in what was a glorious chance wasted by Portugese to make it 4-0 and equal Raul's 71 goals.
Real Madrid now sit first on the table on 9 points whereas the other teams on 3 points each.
The next game for Los Blancos is the highly anticipated El Clasico on 25-10-14, 18:00 CET.