Real Madrid stages a stunning comeback to secure a thrilling 5-2 victory over Liverpool in the Champions League first leg of their last 16 at Anfield on Tuesday evening.

Darwin Nunez and Mohamed Salah had given the hosts a perfect start in a rematch of the Champions League final from the previous season.

Then, after Eder Militao had given Carlo Ancelotti’s team the lead, Karim Benzema’s brace put the defending champions in excellent position to advance to the quarter-finals.

“We suffered a lot early on, you can’t start games like that, but fortunately the team had a cool head,” said Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti.

“Up front today we were very efficient. Every time we broke the press of Liverpool we were able to create chances.”

Liverpool has endured a disastrous season after coming so close to an unprecedented quadruple of trophies last year.

The squad coached by Jurgen Klopp is currently eighth in the Premier League and appears to have no realistic shot at a trophy this season.

“I think Carlo thinks the tie is over and I think it is too in the moment,” said Klopp. “In three weeks we will get to the game and take our chances.

“We go there and try to win the game. Whether it is possible, I don’t know, but we will try.”

Photo by EPA/Peter Powell