Benzema removes every shadow of doubt to send Liverpool crashing out

There was to be no miracle. No comeback story of epic proportion. Liverpool barrel preserved whatever dignity was left after the first leg mauling. 

Karim Benzema scored a second-half goal in front of the Bernabeu faithful to lead Real Madrid to a 1-0 victory and send them into the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals. 

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp had spoken about a one per cent chance of success before this second leg in Spain he went for a brave selection by naming four forwards in his starting line-up.

However, it was the hosts who had the better of the first half with Alisson producing a stunning point-blank save to deny Vinicius Jr before repeating the heroics by flicking Eduardo Camavinga’s curling goal-bound effort on to the crossbar.

Carlo Ancelotti's men continued to dominate and create clear-cut chances in a one-sided second half with Federico Valverde and Benzema spurning good chances to put the home side in front.

Karim Benzema eventually gave Real the lead after Vinícius recovered from making a mess of his own shot to tee up the Frenchman for a simple tap in.

Liverpool offered little as an attacking threat but were much more secure than they were at Anfield and will rue falling apart the way they did after taking a 2-0 lead early in that first leg.

Los Blancos can now look forward to Friday's quarter-final draws before switching their focus to Sunday’s El Clasico at the Nou Camp. 

Liverpool do not play until April 1 when they visit Manchester City in the Premier League as they now focus their energy on a top-four finish.

Vinicius was incredible once again and should have scored at least two goals. Only some last-ditch defending and wonderful goalkeeping from Alisson denied him a goal but he set up Benzema for the game's only strike.