Liverpool fell to a disappointing 5-2 defeat at home last night at the hands of the ruthless Champions League holders Real Madrid.
Real Madrid came back from being 2-0 down, thanks to quick brace’s from Karim Benzema and Vinicius Junior.
Looking beyond the score line, Liverpool were quite unfortunate.
Expected Goals (xG) is a method of measuring the quality of a chance and determining the likelihood that it will result in a goal. The xG of last night suggests Liverpool were unlucky to suffer such a heavy defeat.
According to FBRef, Liverpool had an impressive 1.9 xG which bettered their opponents tally of 1.7 xG.
Madrid scored five goals from just nine shots (six on target). Liverpool were far less clinical, scoring just twice from their nine shots (four on target).
Liverpool also bettered their Spanish opponents’ possession, holding 52% of the ball.
There was also a gulf in the save percentages of the goalkeepers.
Thibaut Courtois saved two of the four shots he faced for Real Madrid. Alisson in the Reds net saved just 16% of the shots he faced, amounting to one out of six.
Alisson also directly contributed to a Madrid goal, making the error that led to Vinicius’ second goal. He kicked the ball directly against the Brazilian before it deflected back into the net.
Alisson will be horrified by his display and will be eager to bounce back. The fact Liverpool weren’t necessarily outplayed will give hope to Jurgen Klopp ahead of the second leg in March.
Liverpool travel to face Crystal Palace away at Selhurst Park on Friday night (February 24th).
Featured image courtesy of Alamy images under agreed licence
