Liverpool suffered a second consecutive Champions League defeat this evening as Real Madrid cruised to a 3-0 win in their Group B clash at Anfield.
Cristiano Ronaldo set the visitors on their way midway through the first half, while Karim Benzema added a brace before the break to put the game to bed.
Here, Sports Mole takes a look at who impressed on a comfortable night for the Spanish giants.
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LIVERPOOL
Goal
Simon Mignolet: Could perhaps have come for the second goal and maybe was a little out of position, but Benzema's looping header was a classy finish. Should have done better for the third, but atoned somewhat with a fine one-on-one save to deny Ronaldo in the second half. (5/10)
Defence
Glen Johnson: Was caught underneath the ball for Benzema's header and couldn't get anywhere near the French striker. Was given the thankless task of dealing with Ronaldo and, like many others, found it nigh-on impossible to shackle the attacker. (4/10)
Martin Skrtel: Struggled to deal with the pace and movement of Real Madrid's attacks at times. Was caught out by a quick Ronaldo shot for the first goal, although that was all about the finish. Was also involved in the mess that led to the third goal. (5/10)
Dejan Lovren: Like Skrtel, came up against an attacking force in full flow at the moment, and found it very tough to deal with it at times. Still not justifying his hefty price tag. (5/10)
Alberto Moreno: Had difficulty dealing with James at times but got in a few good challenges and, overall, had a fairly solid game compared to some of those around him. (6/10)
Midfield
Steven Gerrard: Could do little to stop the waves of Madrid counter-attacks that came at the Liverpool defence. Struggled to get near the likes of Kroos and Modric, who ran the game from midfield. (5/10)
Joe Allen: Came close with a whipped effort from the edge of the box that flew narrowly past the post. Played with a decent energy, but was just outclassed in the middle of the park. (6/10)
Jordan Henderson: Was tasked with doubling up on Ronaldo in the early stages, but was often caught up with one of Madrid's other dangermen. Found it hard to contain Marcelo but, as ever, never gave up the chase. (6/10)
Philippe Coutinho: Rattled the post with a superb strike from range right at the end of the first half. Showed a few glimpses of quality other than that and was one of his side's better performers on the night before being brought off. (6/10)
Raheem Sterling: As ever, a positive display from the youngster, who looked to make something happen every time he got the ball. His runs were the only thing that really caused Madrid's defence problems tonight, but those around him couldn't provide him with the right service. (6/10)
Attack
Mario Balotelli: Another anonymous display from the Italian. Actually began the match fairly brightly and had a few decent moments, but on the whole failed to trouble the Madrid defence as much as he should have. At the other end, failed to close down Kroos in the build-up to the second goal. Was hauled off at half time having swapped shirts with Pepe at the break, and may not be starting this weekend's match against Hull. (4/10)
Substitutes
Adam Lallana: Came on at half time in place of Balotelli and added a lot more movement and fluidity to the attack. Failed to make a telling impression on the match, though. (6/10)
Lazar Markovic: Replaced Coutinho with just over 20 minutes remaining and had a chance to shoot from inside the box, but took the wrong decision to pass it instead. (6/10)
Emre Can: Made one really positive run forward from midfield in his 23-minute cameo, but other than that struggled to make an impact. (6/10)
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REAL MADRID
Goal
Iker Casillas: Almost made a mess of one corner in the first half, but just about got away with it. Saved well from Gerrard and tipped a Sterling effort over when he should have caught it in the only two shots on target Liverpool had. (6/10)
Defence
Alvaro Arbeloa: A fairly comfortable performance for the right-back on his return to Anfield. Nothing spectacular, but solid as ever. (6/10)
Raphael Varane: Classy display from the youngster. Dealt with what little came his way with the confidence and assurance of a defender who has been playing at this level for years. (7/10)
Pepe: Got the assist for the third goal, albeit rather fortuitously and due to some poor defending. Snuffed out any danger at the other end and seemed to have a good understanding with Varane. (7/10)
Marcelo: Excelled in a match that allowed him to showcase his attacking talents rather than defensive deficiencies. Made a couple of great bursts forward and gave the Liverpool defence yet another body to think about. (8/10)
Midfield
Toni Kroos: Pulled the strings from the middle of the park, controlling the tempo of the match and launching many of Madrid's counters. Also got the assist for the second goal with a floated cross to Benzema. (8/10)
Luka Modric: Much like Kroos, kept the ball moving in midfield as Madrid dominated that area of the pitch. Was given too much space in possession and used it well. (8/10)
James Rodriguez: Got the assist for the first goal with a superb lofted ball for Ronaldo, who did the rest. Was a threat all night and had a couple of efforts of his own come close. (8/10)
Attack
Isco: Got in behind the full-backs on numerous occasions and provided a useful outlet for Madrid. Only in due to an injury to Bale, but shows what great strength in depth Madrid have. (8/10)
Karim Benzema: Led plenty of Madrid's counter-attacks and never gave Skrtel and Lovren a moment of rest. Was rewarded for a fine performance with two goals, the first of which was a brilliant header and the second a typical poacher's finish. (9/10)
Cristiano Ronaldo: Took his goal with the style and ruthlessness of a man who has now scored 20 times in 13 matches this season. His figures defy belief and he continues to add more accolades to an already legendary career. Could have easily drawn level with or beaten Raul's Champions League goalscoring record tonight, but had to settle for just the one goal. (9/10)
Substitutes
Sami Khedira: Replaced Ronaldo with 15 minutes remaining and did his job in the middle of the park as Madrid saw out the victory without being troubled. (6/10)
Asier Illarramendi: Had an eight-minute cameo having replaced Kroos and helped the team cruise to the victory. (6/10)
Nacho: Came on in place of Nacho for the final five minutes and was not tested during his short time on the field. (6/10)
Barney Corkhill
