Jurgen Klopp calls on Liverpool players to 'learn from this game' after crushing Champions League defeat to Real Madrid

Jurgen Klopp has called on his Liverpool players to “learn from this game” after the Reds suffered a crushing 5-2 defeat to Real Madrid in a remarkable last-16 Champions League tie at Anfield. Vinicius Junior and Karim Benzema both struck twice as Los Blancos hit back from 2-0 down to claim a sensational victory in a devastating first-leg performance. Ad It is the first time ever that a Liverpool side has conceded three or more goals in a home European game.

Champions LeagueBenzema, Vinicius star as Liverpool are thumped at Anfield in last-16 first leg7 HOURS AGO Liverpool had made a lightning start, scoring twice in 14 minutes. Darwin Nunez gave the hosts a lead with a sublime flick from close range and a mistake from Thibaut Courtois allowed the record-breaking Mohamed Salah to register his 42nd goal in Europe. «The beginning was outstanding,” Klopp told BT Sport.

“It was us in a nutshell. It was perfect, exactly how we wanted to play.” However, the game was turned on its head when Vinicius Junior halved the deficit, before another goalkeeping error — this time from Alisson Becker — gifted his fellow Brazilian a second, leaving the score 2-2 at half-time. “The whole first-half was good beside the goals,” continued Klopp.

»The first goal we became slightly passive higher up the pitch, we weren't chasing them. The second goal is slapstick. It shouldn't happen, can happen, 2-2.” Real Madrid got their noses in front two minutes after the break thanks to Eder Militao who headed in Luka Modric’s free-kick delivery – a moment Klopp believes proved a game-changer.

«The first situation pretty much [after the break] they played a long ball to Vinicius,” continued Klopp. “Not sure if it's a foul. How we defend that is not OK.