Liverpool produced an astonishing display to beat Real Madrid 4-0 (5-0 on aggregate) and oust the Spanish giants from the UEFA Champions League round of 16. Fernando Torres broke the deadlock before a brace from skipper Steven Gerrard and a late strike by Daniele Dossena earned Liverpool a phenomenal victory. The home side took Real by total surprise when they launched a number of early successive attacks. The first of these came on 4 minutes when Torres brilliantly tricked Fabio Cannavaro to go through on goal before Iker Casillas turned the striker's shot wide. The resulting corner fell to Javier Mascherano, who powered a left-footed volley from the edge of the Real box. Once again Casillas was there to tip the effort off the bar and wide. It didn't take Liverpool long to score, as The Reds went ahead after capitalizing on some dreadful defending from Real. A long ball was miscued by both Cannavaro then Pepe allowing Dirk Kuyt to easily square towards Torres, who tapped in the empty net. On 24 minutes, some lovely footwork from Torres was ended by a cross from the left, Gerrard met the Spaniard's ball with a volley but Casillas saved at full stretch.
Real lost despite Casillas' efforts Three minutes later, Rafael Benitez's men were awarded a dubious penalty. Alvaro Arbeloa was bringing a high ball down when it cannoned off Gabriel Heinze's shoulder inside the box. TV replays showed that the ball was nowhere near the defender's arm. Spot-kick specialist Gerrard easily put the ball past Casillas. Liverpool keeper Giuseppe Reina was finally called into action when Wesley Sneijder fired a free-kick from 30 yards out. Right after the interval, Liverpool ended any hopes Real had of coming back in the tie by adding a third. Ryan Babel did well on the left before crossing to the unguarded Gerrard and the latter's half-volley found its way past Casillas. The 54th minute saw a Gerrard shot from outside the area saved by Casillas after a lovely team move from Liverpool. Liverpool's win was wrapped up through substitute Daniele Dossena on 88 minutes to send the Merseyside club through to the Champions League quarter-finals with pride. Watch the game's goals
