Twitter Reacts to Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema vs. Liverpool

After Brendan Rodgers named an understrength starting line-up for Liverpool’s visit to face Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu, the pre-match consensus was that there would be goals aplenty for the home side. And while Karim Benzema netted in the 27th minute, it was a frustrating night for Cristiano Ronaldo as Los Blancos eventually ran out 1-0 winners.

Andres Kudacki/Associated Press

Ahead of the game, Ronaldo’s pursuit of Raul’s Champions League goalscoring record was at the forefront of discussion. He and Lionel Messi are both within touching distance of the 71-goal mark, but with Barcelona not playing until a day after Madrid, the Portuguese had an opportunity to nudge ahead of his former Los Blancos teammate first.

Telegraph Football broke down the stratospheric numbers accrued by both Messi and Ronaldo in Europe’s top tier competition:

The Portuguese sensation has been deployed as an orthodox centre-forward in the Champions League so far this season, and he looked to have something of a free role once again against the Merseysiders, per ESPN’s Dermot Corrigan:

Meanwhile, Richard Jolly of ESPN afforded us with an indication of the scintillating form Real’s No. 7 has been in this campaign:

And after Liverpool named an unfamiliar looking back-four, you suspect Ronaldo will have been sensed a real chance of hammering in the goals required to better the landmark total. But it was Benzema who made the breakthrough for the hosts after Liverpool dug in well during the first half.

The Frenchman was alert in the area and capitalised on a fantastic cross from Marcelo. Here’s the goal, courtesy World Soccer Talk:

It was yet another fine finish from a player who’s contribution goes seemingly perpetually unnoticed, and European football host Kay Murray reminded us of just how prolific Benzema has been in Europe’s top tier this season:

OptaJose also gave us an insight into the exceptional form of the Los Blancos No. 9:

He linked up astutely with Ronaldo throughout the first period too, per The Madridistas, but Real couldn’t extend their lead ahead of the half time break:

After the interval the pair continued to torment the Liverpool back four in bursts. Martin Skrtel picked up a yellow card for a rash lunge on Ronaldo, and Benzema laid one off to the Portuguese only for Simon Mignolet to save. Footy Accumulators thought the former Manchester United man was being a little profligate in front of goal:

As the match moved towards the hour mark Liverpool began to get a foothold in the game, pushing the home side back and forcing a couple of half chances. Ronaldo was actually beginning to resemble an isolated figure and Jim Boardman of The Anfield Wrap was naturally delighted:

Former England international striker Gary Lineker also commented on what was looking like a rare off-day for the 29-year-old:

With Raul's record looking increasingly unlikely to be broken, Matthew Stanger of Sky Sports pondered the prospect of Messi besting the mark in his next Champions League outing:

Benzema's was substituted in the 86th minute to a standing ovation from the Bernabeu crowd:

But as the clock ticked down and Real preserved their 1-0 advantage, it became increasingly clear that it wasn't going to be Ronaldo's night. But he can certainly be forgiven for having a bad evening, especially when you consider his recent exploits, per InfoCristiano:

The spotlight was naturally on Ronaldo ahead of the match, but it was Benzema who was star of the show against Liverpool. Not only did he net the vital opening goal, but his link play was superb throughout the match and if his attacking partner had been a little more clinical in front of goal, Los Blancos would have been looking at a much more comfortable victory.