Both sides were meeting each other for the first time at the Round of 16 since playing against themselves in the final last season.
Liverpool got off to a flying start when Darwin Núñez flicked home from a Mohamed Salah assist in the 4th minute. Mohamed Salah could have doubled the lead moments later but he could not put the ball in the net after a mazy run into the box. However in the 14th minute, Salah would profit from a goalkeeping howler from Thibaut Courtois to give the Reds a two-goal cushion.
Real Madrid started their comeback through Vinícius Júniorwhen the Brazilian scored from a delicious shot which Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson could not keep out. Viníciuswould restore parity after Alisson’s clearance cannoned off him into the net nine minutes from halftime.
The second half saw Real Madrid turn the pressure and an impressive counterattacking display provided for three more goals including a brace from Karim Benzema for it to end 2-5 at the end of ninety minutes.
The second leg will played in a fortnight at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium where Liverpool will have to score three unreplied goals for them to force the game into extra time.
