Liverpool vs. Real Madrid: Score, Grades and Reaction from Champions League Game

Karim Benzema netted a brace and Cristiano Ronaldo pulled within sight of the UEFA Champions League scoring record as Real Madrid routed Liverpool 3-0 at Anfield on Wednesday night.

Ronaldo opened the scoring midway through the first half, setting Real on their way with a spectacular half-volley from the edge of the box. The goal was Ronaldo's 70th in the competition, just one fewer than record-holder Raul.

Benzema then struck twice before half-time as Real tore through Liverpool and stormed to their third win in as many Champions League matches this season.

With the result, Real Madrid top Group B with the full nine points from three matches. Liverpool remained level with Basel and Ludogorets on three points.

The same two teams meet again in two weeks' time as Real host Liverpool at the Bernabeu on Nov. 4. Victory in the return match would almost certainly see the holders advance to the knockout stage as group winners. 

Wednesday's match initially promised a marquee matchup of historically successful sides as record 10-time champions Real Madrid visited five-time winners Liverpool. But Real were simply too good for their hosts, who were swept away by half-time. 

The home fans created a cracking atmosphere at kick-off as Anfield rang out with noise. The result was an energetic start from both teams, though clear chances were initially scarce.

In the eighth minute, Ronaldo cut inside from the left before shooting low from the edge of the box. Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet saved easily.

Three minutes later, Steven Gerrard let loose a dipping shot from 30 yards. Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas got down low to make the save.

To that point, the match had been just about even, but Real Madrid took over from there with three goals before half-time.

The first was spectacular as Ronaldo netted his 20th of the season in all competitions. Holding possession in midfield, Ronaldo passed to James Rodriguez before running toward Liverpool's box. James chipped the return pass over the top, giving Ronaldo an opening he could exploit.

As the ball bounced invitingly in the box, Ronaldo hooked his half-volleyed shot into the far corner past a sprawling Mignolet for his first goal at Anfield.

It was a brilliant strike, and yet the sort of goal the footballing world has come to expect from Ronaldo. With the opener out of the way, Madrid took full control, netting twice more before the break.

Benzema made it 2-0 in the 30th minute with his first of the match. After Liverpool failed to clear their lines, Toni Kroos curled a cross to the back post, where Benzema placed a looping header back across goal and into the net for Real's second.

Benzema's second—and Real's third—followed in the 41st minute. Again Liverpool failed to clear the box, allowing a corner to bounce dangerously in front of the goal. With Mignolet scrambling, the ball fell to Benzema, who swept into an unguarded net for 3-0.

Liverpool were stunned, but they weren't quite finished. The hosts created a chance in the 43rd minute as Mario Balotelli rolled a cross into the middle for Joe Allen. Allen hit a dangerous first-time shot toward goal, but the ball curled just wide of the far post.

The Reds came even closer in stoppage time, Philippe Coutinho beating Casillas with a powerful, curling strike from distance. This time, though, the ball smacked off the far upright and bounced away to safety.

Trailing by three goals at half-time, Liverpool introduced Adam Lallana to the attack in place of Balotelli, who had swapped shirts with Real Madrid's Pepe heading into the break.

Still, Liverpool struggled to create anything against Madrid, and instead the visitors nearly scored another in the 64th minute after a fine team move freed Ronaldo in front of goal. Ronaldo side-footed on target, but Mignolet made a kick save to keep the Portuguese superstar from pulling level with the scoring record.

At the other end, Raheem Sterling drew a save from Casillas with a curling shot from the edge of the box in the 69th minute. Three minutes later, Allen poked wide of the post from close range but was ruled offside regardless.

As full-time approached, Real remained the side more likely to score. And after seeing out the full 90 minutes, Carlo Ancelotti's side are looking ominously strong in their bid for a second straight title.

Grades

Starting XI	Rating
Substitutes	Rating
Simon Mignolet	6.1
Glen Johnson	6.3
Martin Skrtel	6.5
Dejan Lovren	6.2
Alberto Moreno	6.8
Jordan Henderson	5.7
Steven Gerrard	6.7
Joe Allen	5.6
Raheem Sterling	6.5
Mario Balotelli	6.1
Philippe Coutinho	7.4
Adam Lallana (for Balotelli, 46')	6.8
Emre Can (for Henderson, 67')	6.0
Lazar Markovic (for Coutinho, 67')	5.8

Starting XI	Rating
Substitutes	Rating
Iker Casillas	7.3
Alvaro Arbeloa	8.4
Pepe	8.7
Raphael Varane	8.0
Marcelo	8.3
Luka Modric	7.6
Toni Kroos	7.5
Isco	8.5
James Rodriguez	7.7
Karim Benzema	9.3
Cristiano Ronaldo	8.7
Sami Khedira (for Ronaldo, 75')	6.6
Asier Illarramendi (for Kroos, 82')	6.3
Nacho (for Marcelo, 85')	6.7

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