Real Madrid vs. Liverpool: Carlo Ancelotti, Brendan Rodgers Post-Match Reaction

Liverpool's Brendan Rodgers fired back at pre-match criticism from former England striker Gary Lineker over his team selection in Tuesday's 1-0 loss against Real Madrid.

Lineker felt Rodgers had given up before a ball had even been kicked as Steven Gerrard, Raheem Sterling and Co. were left on the bench, but the Liverpool boss said the TV personality couldn't possibly understand the situation, as shared by ESPN FC's Dermot Corrigan:

Lineker, who hosts BBC's Match of the Day, later responded:

Like many, Lineker saw Rodgers' team selection as an admission of defeat, opting to rest his big-name starters ahead of the Premier League clash against Chelsea:

The Northern Irishman replied his selection had nothing to do with big names, but everything to do with who he believes gave the Reds the best chance to win at the Bernabeu:

Liverpool fought valiantly against the defending champions but were undone by a goal from Karim Benzema, and Los Blancos comfortably defended their lead in the second half.

Rodgers praised his players and the character they showed on Tuesday, via the Champions League's official Twitter feed:

The starting XI's fine performance means he has plenty of options ahead of the clash with the Blues, via the Liverpool Echo's Kristian Walsh:

Reporters continued asking him about Chelsea and his team selection, but via Bleacher Report UK's Karl Matchett, Rodgers remained adamant his team selection had nothing to do with the Blues:

When asked about Norwegian supertalent Martin Odegaard, who has been linked with a transfer to Liverpool (per the Metro), he acknowledged the player's clear talent but refused to go deeper on the subject:

Carlo Ancelotti was happy with the result and the way his team controlled the match after taking the lead:

The Italian chose not to discuss Rodgers' decision not to play some of his stars on Tuesday:

He did, however, appear to take a little dig at the Reds later:

Ancelotti reserved special praise for scorer Benzema, as well as defensive duo Raphael Varane and Marcelo, per AS English:

Cristiano Ronaldo had a chance to become the Champions League's all-time top scorer but failed to register on the scoresheet. His manager still believes he had an excellent match, though:

When asked about his future in the Spanish capital, he refused to speculate about a potential contract extension:

Real Madrid top Group B with a perfect record, and with two matches left to play, Los Blancos have already secured passage to the knockout stages.

Liverpool currently sit three points behind Basel and level with Ludogorets on points. The Reds will need a strong push in the final two matches to secure qualification.   

Rodgers and his troops will have their eyes on a meeting with Chelsea in the Premier League first, but after Saturday, the team's focus will undoubtedly turn to the remaining Champions League fixtures.