Georginio Wijnaldum Criticised For Standing Still For Real Madrid's Third Goal

Fans have asked if Georginio Wijnaldum's controller became disconnected, after the Liverpool captain seemed to be stood still for Real Madrid's third goal on Tuesday night.

Liverpool's hopes of becoming European champions for a seventh time took a huge blow in the first leg of their quarter final, as Real ran out 3-1 winners at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano.

Jurgen Klopp's side were particularly poor in the first half and were 2-0 down at the break. They improved in the second half and pulled a goal back early on after the break.

However Vicinius Jr scored his second of the night just after the hour mark to make it difficult for the Reds to progress, even with an away goal.

Fans spotted the role of captain Wijnaldum in the build up to that all important third, with the Dutchman barely moving from his spot on the edge of the area as the goal happened in front of him.

With Jordan Henderson still injured and James Milner on the bench, Wijnaldum was Liverpool captain for the night and had to speak to the media after a tough night. "It was difficult, he told BT Sport, "I think because we played against a good side and the way we did it in the first-half was not good.

"When we recovered the ball, we lost it too quickly with simple passes. We lost the ball too easily and for two moments, we weren't concentrating enough and they scored.

"What we said for the second-half was that we needed to play our football, don't lose the ball too easily and we need to concentrate more.

"It gives us confidence, of course. We hoped for a better result but we know we have to hang on to the good things and that's the away goal. We have to make sure we score two and don't concede a goal."

Vinicius celebrates. Image: PA Images

Real, without both Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane in defence, dominated the game from the off and Vinicius gave them the lead, following a superb pass from Toni Kroos, after 27 minutes.

Marcos Asensio doubled the home side's lead in the 36th minute. The 13 time European champions were so on top that Klopp was forced into a substitution before the break, with Thiago replacing Naby Keita in midfield.

Wijnaldum did have a huge part to play as Liverpool got back into the game in the 51st minute. He played a one-two with Mo Salah before continuing his run and finding Diogo Jota, who eventually set up Salah to score.

Unfortunately the hard work was undone just 14 minutes later when Vinicius got his second and potentially ended the tie.

Topics: Liverpool, Football, Premier League, Champions League, Real Madrid, La Liga, Vinicius JR

Ryan Sidle

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