Liverpool came back from Santiago Bernabeu with a valuable 1-0 win over Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League last 16 round first-leg on Wednesday. Yossi Benayoun scored the only goal of the game on 82 minutes, in the clash where Real couldn't offer the expected performance from a nine-time European champions. The Merseyside club were in better shape throughout most of the game and coach Rafael Benitez totally outclassed his Real counterpart. Steven Gerrard, who recently returned from injury started on the bench, as Xavi Alonso and Javier Mascherano were given the nod in the Reds' midfield. The visitors showed superiority straightaway and on 21 minutes, Fernando Torres was released on the right but the Spaniard's effort was saved by Iker Casillas. Yossi Benayoun found himself in a similar position two minutes later. The Israeli tried to lob Casillas but once again the keeper did well to come out and block the shot. Real Madrid thought they took a lead in the 30th minute, after Gabriel Heinze's header found Gonzalo Higuain and the Argentine slotted home from a second attempt. However, the strike was ruled out for offside and TV replays proved that the linesman was on the spot with his call. Moments before the half-time whistle, Xavi Alonso took Real by surprise with a brilliant shot midway through the pitch. It was only Casillas' tip that saved his team from conceding. Real coach Juande Ramos brought on Guti in place of Marcelo, the ex-Tottenham tactician wanted to control the game by deploying Guti, Fernando Gago and Lassana Diarra in midfield. Higuain was dropped to play alongside Arjen Robben behind Raul. In the 62nd minute, it was Benitez's turn to make a substitution. The Liverpool boss replaced Torres, who earlier received a knock by Ryan Babel and Dirk Kuyt played alone upfront. Liverpool stunned the home crowd on 82 minutes, when Yossi Benayoun raised above Real's defence to head Fabio Aurelio's perfect cross past the helpless Casillas. From there it was easy for the Reds to defend their lead, as Real seemed helpless and couldn't create any chances until the end of the game. Watch the game's goal
