Last Update: February 22, 2023, 09:21 IST
Karim Benzema and Amancio Amaro of Real Madrid (Twitter)
Karim Benzema dedicated Real Madrid’s UEFA Champions League win over Liverpool to Amancio Amaro, who died the same day at the age of 83.
Karim Benzema said Real Madrid needed time to let go but eventually showed their true colors as they thrashed Liverpool 5-2 at Anfield in the first leg of the Champions League last 16 on Tuesday.
The France forward dedicated the win to late Madrid great Amancio Amaro, who died earlier in the day aged 83.
“It’s a very important night for us, I want to dedicate this victory to our honorary president Amancio,” Madrid captain Benzema told Movistar.
“This victory is for him, with the personality, the goals. We want this Champions League.
“It was a beautiful game for everyone because we started a bit bad, we know Liverpool put a lot of pressure with their fans, but after 15, 20 minutes, then we saw Real Madrid.”
Liverpool went two goals ahead early on but Madrid came back with a vengeance to run out comfortable winners.
Vinicius Junior, who netted the winner against Jurgen Klopp’s side in the 2022 final, struck a brace, as did Benzema, while Eder Militão scored a header.
“We know football is always difficult, he started well,” Benzema said.
“Two errors after 14 minutes, we needed to do more – what we did towards the end.
“One goal can change everything and it happened today.”
Darwin Nunez sent Liverpool ahead with a superb flick finish and then Mohamed Salah scored the hosts’ second after an unusual error from Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
The Belgian international passed the ball in front of goal to a grateful Salah, who cleared it away.
“It was a bit of bad luck to mess up like that, I controlled it well and at first I wanted to pass it but I saw Salah close up and so I said I’d go on my right foot but it bounced over me. Gone knee,” Courtois told Movistar.
“Vini’s goal allowed us to breathe and then Alisson did the same (like me) and we are stronger on the counter.”
Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson under pressure from Vinicius threw the ball away and the ball hit the Brazilian and flew into the net to level the score at 2–2.
Courtois did not think that the victory marked record 14-time winners Madrid as the clear favorites to lift the trophy again.
“Madrid will always fight until the end, (but) I think Liverpool are not the same team that they were last year. They are more vulnerable on the back.”
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(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed)