In the opening 15 minutes against Real Madrid this evening, it looked as though Liverpool were about to produce a vintage European night at Anfield.
Many people were unsure what version of Jurgen Klopp's side would show up for the game, with their form having been widely inconsistent this season. While early goals from Darwin Nunez and Mohamed Salah looked had the stadium rocking, the performance that followed from the home side over the 70 or so minutes that followed was nothing short of shambolic.
Vinicius Jr would score two goals before the interval to get Real Madrid back on level terms, and while many would have expected Liverpool to come back into the contest after the interval, the reality was far different.
Eder Militao scored a header from a set-piece just two minutes into the first half, before Karim Benzema doubled their lead via a deflected effort a few minutes later.
A CRUEL deflection puts Benzema's effort past Alisson for 4-2 Real Madrid 👀 pic.twitter.com/46nVC6hV74
— Watch the UCL on LiveScore 🇮🇪 (@LiveScoreIE) February 21, 2023
It soon got even worse for the hosts when the Frenchman scored his second of the game in the 66th minutes.
The goal came on the back of some farcical defending from Liverpool, allowing their opponents to run the full length of the pitch essentially unchallenged before the move was well finished by Benzema.
Liverpool 2-5 Real Madrid 😳😳😳
Benzema rounds off another flowing move for the visitors & silences Anfield! 🤫 pic.twitter.com/oTXLCjIQ50— Watch the UCL on LiveScore 🇮🇪 (@LiveScoreIE) February 21, 2023
It was tie over at that point, with the only question being how much Real Madrid would win by.
In the end, it finished 5-2.
Football fans reacts to remarkable Liverpool collapse
While there had been some suggestions that Liverpool were rediscovering their form over the last couple of weeks, that second half was just about as bad as it gets.
It was a timely reminder that this team has all but run its course as a domestic and European contender, with a major rebuild now needed. The lack of investment in the squad has caught up with them in a frightening manner in recent months.
In saying that, a collapse like that is absolutely unacceptable regardless of the circumstances. It was an embarrassing night for the club as a whole, who can have no complaints with the score.
Unsurprisingly, there was quite the reaction to the game online.
Liverpool were 2-0 up in this game. To then concede 5 goals, at home, is extremely and deeply concerning.
— Anfield Watch (@AnfieldWatch) February 21, 2023
Liverpool are making Real Madrid look like Brighton
— Paul Campbell (@campbellwpaul) February 21, 2023
Liverpool trying to beat Real Madrid pic.twitter.com/n8VorVRTx9
— 𝐄𝐑 (@ErlingRoIe) February 21, 2023
Real Madrid letting Liverpool go 2-0 up today pic.twitter.com/MkcDjCq9vk
— Ilyas Noreaga (@IlyasNoreaga) February 21, 2023
Liverpool dey search revenge against Madrid since 2018. But I’m here to tell you no be every fight you go win. Try dey give up 😂 pic.twitter.com/pUBaACbRoG
— KALYJAY (@gyaigyimii) February 21, 2023
Me when Liverpool hit their new rock bottom every 2 weeks pic.twitter.com/sGy2bxfykc
— KLOPP 2026 🇩🇪 (@ThoseScouseLads) February 21, 2023
Imagine going from a possible quadruple to this within a few months. Genuinely is a staggering drop off by Liverpool.
— TacheyDelBosque (@TacheyDelBosque) February 21, 2023
A defensive masterclass from Liverpool 😳 #LIVRMA pic.twitter.com/8NRdtWSTub
— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) February 21, 2023
Liverpool back to default setting like.. pic.twitter.com/jvnFCqGoOw
— Sports Memes (@BigSportMemes) February 21, 2023
Finding out FSG are staying and getting battered at Anfield, great couple of days for Liverpool fans🤣 #MUFC
— Stretford Paddock (@StretfordPaddck) February 21, 2023
Liverpool trying to get revenge on Real Madrid pic.twitter.com/GeL9gje1yf
— 17 (@DxBruyneSZN) February 21, 2023
At least Liverpool haven't got to worry about away goals #LIVRMA #UCL pic.twitter.com/QctZZdRBDU
— ‘Out Of Office’ - The Office Podcast (UK) (@OutOfOfficePod_) February 21, 2023
Liverpool fans were saying "it would be a different story at the fully packed Anfield" after each of our wins in recent years 😭😭😭😭😭
— Noodle Vini (@vini_ball) February 21, 2023
Liverpool will need to beat Real Madrid by three goals to even force extra-time in the second leg, a prospect you'd imagine is remarkably unlikely based off tonight's performance.
A capitulation such as this one is sure to set tongues wagging again as to the club's long-term prospects, something that looks more questionable now than at any other time during the Jurgen Klopp era.
SEE ALSO: Both Courtois & Alisson Have Their Own Loris Karius Moments At Anfield
