Real Madrid put in a masterful display of games management to hold Liverpool to a 0-0 draw at Anfield and qualify for the semi-finals of this season’s UEFA Champions League.
The 13-time winners of Europe’s prestigious club competition progress 3-1 on aggregate.
They have now qualified for the Champions League semi-finals 14 times, more than any other team in the history of the competition.
Liverpool tore into Real from the off and should have been ahead after just two minutes after Mohamed Salah was through on goal but hit his shot straight at Thibaut Courtois.
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Madrid’s first chance came soon after but Luka Modric’s 20-yard shot was deflected wide.
Then on 11 minutes Thibaut Courtois made a brilliant save from James Milner after stretching to palm his curling effort from outside the box which looked to be heading for the top corner.
Madrid though came closer on 20 minutes but Karim Benzema’s attempted cross deflected against the post by Ozan Kabak.
Just before halftime Liverpool wasted two guilt-edged chances. Firstly Salah swept a shot wide after Georginio Wijnaldum had found Sadio Mane in the box.
Then Alexander-Arnold powered forward down the right and laid the ball off to Wijnaldum, who had a good first touch before firing his shot high over the crossbar.
Madrid almost put the tie to bed on 81 minutes when Alvaro Odriozola whipped a brilliant cross into the box from the right and Benzema, unmarked sent his header into the ground and onto the roof of the net.
Klopp then threw on Xherdan Shaqiri for Firmino, while Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain replaced Mane, as Liverpool looked for a late miracle and almost scored when Salah had another chance from a tight angle, but Courtois made a good block.
And in Germany Manchester City defeated Borussia Dortmund 2-1 yo go through 4-2 on aggregate.
A Riyad Mahrez penalty and Phil Foden’s late strike cancelled Jude Bellingham’s opener.
City are the only unbeaten team in the Champions League this season after 10 games played (nine wins, one draw).
Also, Pep Guardiola has reached his eighth Champions League semi-final, now the joint-most in the history of the competition, alongside José Mourinho.
The semi-finals pairings will see Madrid face Chelsea and PSG battle Manchester City.
The first-legs of the semi-finals will be played on April 26th while the reverse fixtures is billed for May 3rd.
