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Liverpool fans, or at least some of them, thought they were clever by letting off fireworks near Real Madrid’s team hotel between 2 am-4 am (approx), in what I can only think was a tactic to try and unsettle Real’s mindset.

Well, it didn’t work, maybe the Liverpool fans disturbed Liverpool’s hotel instead . Despite going 2-0 down last night, Real through goals from Vinicius Junior, Karim Benzema and Militao, saw them beat Liverpool 5-2 at Anfield.

To put this big win into context, this is the first time The Reds have conceded five goals at home in a European game. Things started so well for Jurgen Klopp’s side, they went 2-0 up within 15 minutes, in what was a characteristically fast-paced start from Liverpool.

But problems of this season, the defence arose once again. Trent Alexander-Arnold had a tough night against Vini Junior, but most full-backs in world football will, that’s nothing on TAA.

England colleague Joe Gomez, who had a knee injury a few seasons back, seems like he’s shot of confidence and maybe not the same player since coming back.

This could be said of key defender Virgil Van Dijk. The easy option is to scapegoat Trent, but fellow defenders VVD and Gomez weren’t much better, nor were the midfield.

Individually, Fabino, Stefan Bajčetić and Tiago are good players, but they didn’t have the athleticism of Real’s midfield, which brutally was shown on Tuesday night.

Virgil Van Dijk was talking up Liverpool’s chances of beating Real at the Bernabeu, but it’s a tall order. The Reds did produce a stirring comeback to beat Barcelona in the Champions League on that famous night at Anfield, but that’s the very point, Liverpool will need to score 4 goals without a reply.

That was Barca and this is Real. The Spanish champions are steelier than Barca were that night. The Catalans on the night didn’t have the legs to match Liverpool’s midfield. Last night’s game, reminded me of the 2nd leg Champions League semi-final between Barcelona and Liverpool in 2019.

Life has come full circle very fast for Liverpool’s team. I feel sorry for Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp. Some football fans don’t appreciate him, but the former Dortmund manager has done well in his seven seasons in charge.

The way The Reds operate financially (sell players to balance the balance sheet then buy), just only emphasises the great job the 55-year-old Klopp is doing.

As disappointing as this result was, what is arguably more disappointing news for Liverpool fans is that FSG are not selling the club. Football is a money game and the Fenway Sports Group have been sparing with how they spend their money compared to other clubs.

It shouldn’t be discounted that John W Henry and co helped Liverpool from the brink of a financial meltdown, but for Liverpool to go to the next level, they need adequate financial backing, a takeover I feel would have been the answer.

Liverpool fans, the decent ones, will miss Klopp when he’s gone. Jurgen has worked wonders in the circumstances. Let’s not discount the work he’s done prior and try to use this season’s struggles to define his whole tenure at the club.

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