Liverpool 0-3 Real Madrid as it happened

Abhinav Singh Jamwal: Why blame Mario? Did he miss open goals? Poor guy hardly got any service but people still blame him and hail Rodgers.

Ikenna Onyia: There is nothing wrong in swapping shirts. Why is it that it's the team losing that always complains about swapping shirts.

Ben Lawrence: Balotelli not a scapegoat for goals but his contribution. Poor decision making is wasting Liverpool's possession.

Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casilas: "We have to keep on this run of winning, winning and winning. The biggest positive we can take is that we are comfortable playing in any system.

"We know that we have a great team and that is going to keep us going until the end of every game."

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger on BBC Radio 5 live: "In the last five minutes in the Champions League the nerves play a part and we had to get into these five minutes without conceding a second goal.

"I had hope, it maybe didn't look like it, but it happened. It's a little bit of a gambling situation in these games and it worked.

"I'm a bit disappointed that we didn't create more chances than we did but Anderlecht played well."

Brendan Rodgers will be getting peppered with questions right now about Mario Balotelli. He's always the story...

Dan in Malvern: Arsenal fans are always showing their class these days; when we're winning then it's because Wenger bought a great player and is an amazing coach. When we're losing he's a useless has-been that is simply an accountant masquerading as a football manager.

Wanna know what happens when a club loses a long term manager? Go look at United. All top hat and no trousers, no Europe and a hefty amount of pressure to finish in the top four or else they'll lose most of their sponsors.

Dim in London: Cue the flood of 'Wenger is a genius' messages. Fickle fans.

It was interesting to hear Carlo Ancelotti say that he knows he is lucky to manage this group of Real Madrid players. How long will he be in charge for though? The lifespan at the Bernabeu tends to be very short but Ancelotti seems to press all of the right buttons.

Could he retain the Champions League? It will take some team to stop him.

Duncan in Richmond: The irony of Liverpool's group is that it is made up of Real Madrid and three very poor teams, Liverpool will probably still progress and then in the knockout stages who knows.

Kevin in Bradford: Ludogorets beat Basel. That could've saved Liverpool's Champions League season.

Mike in Manchester: Notice how Gerrard tells Arbeloa, not yet, we swap shirts off the field. Take note Balotelli.

Ieuan Yusuf-George: Sanchez shaking his head at full time while others look delighted. He's right. Enough of celebrating mediocrity.

Stavros Makrozachopo: This win is a curse in disguise for Arsenal. No doubt about that.

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Arsenal defender and goalscorer Kieran Gibbs: "It (the win) was massive. We didn't give up and we have made a statement of what we want to do.

"We controlled quite a lot of the game and the final ball was letting us down. That was frustrating for us but we had to keep going and we got the rewards.

"We are determined to do well as a team and everybody is fighting for each other. We have another big game in two days and we have to focus on that now.

"The boys all give 100% for the team. Some days it happens and other days it doesn't, but we stay professional."

Next up in Europe for Liverpool is a trip to Real Madrid in 4 November, while Arsenal host Anderlecht on the same night.

Bill Smith: Despite all the moaning, groaning and gloating Liverpool are still well in the race for the only realistic place in the group - second.

Tom Fysh: Get Jamie Carragher back to Liverpool as a defensive coach. Cannot defend set pieces at all.

Footyographer: Liverpool now know it's no small feat to juggle both European and domestic games together. They aren't finding it easy!

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Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti: "I think so, it was the best we have played all season. We were fantastic in the first half and then controlled the game. I had to say nothing to the players, they played really well.

"I am lucky to manage this group of players.

"We defended well in the first 20 minutes when Liverpool played with good intensity. It was all over at half-time. I forgot about Istanbul! But football, anything can happen."

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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger: "We looked to control the game in the first half. In the second half we opened up and defensively got caught.

"The crucial point was when we were 1-0 down and they couldn't take advantage with the chance for the second goal.

"It (the win) was vital for us to have a chance to qualify. We are in a strong position now. It's down to us now. Win our home games and we are through.

"It's a frustrating part of our job to fight for the final seconds. We know in the Champions League many goals are scored in the final five minutes.

"When you have the ball and you don't score or win the games the confidence drops so it was important for us to win.

"The group is in our hands. Let's first qualify and see how far we can go."

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Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers on Mario Balotelli swapping shirts at half-time:

"It's the first I've heard of it but I don't like that. It's something that doesn't happen here, it shouldn't happen here.

"We had a case of a player doing that last season which I dealt with and if that's the case again I'll deal with it again."

So what did Brendan Rodgers make of Mario Balotelli swapping shirts at the break then?

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Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers: "The first 22 minutes of the game we were excellent but from the first goal to half time Real Madrid showed their real quality.

"They were terrific. Second half we played for pride and we were outstanding, the players kept going, they didn't stop. We defended poorly but I can't ask any more.

"You can see Real's quality. Speed, technique; you can see why they are champions. The second and third goals are from set-pieces again, it's an issue for us and we have to be better than that."

Liverpool's defending for Real Madrid's third goal gets worse every time you see it. QPR caused havoc with long balls into the box on Sunday and now they can't seem to win a header for love nor money.

Jacob Bridgwater: Balotelli's future seems obvious to me if Rodgers would rather continue a game 0-3 down at home without a striker.

Dave Williams: Time for Rogers to accept he needs somebody on staff who can organise a defence. Recurring problem.

Lewis Smith: Did Liverpool fans actually think they had a sniff in this game? Rodgers has no experience at this level and no strikers.

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Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo: "It was special, my first goal at Anfield and I am very happy. Amazing.

"We knew that Anfield is a difficult place but we were fantastic in the first 45 minutes and we deserved to win. I'm not worried about the Champions League goalscoring record. I know I will beat it. Me and Lionel Messi are very close. The best thing is that the team has nine points.

"Can we retain the cup? Why not? We are taking it step-by-step but we are going to try. We know it will be tough but we are positive and it is possible."

Fans stream out of Anfield into the Liverpool night. I don't think many Liverpool fans had any illusions about the size of their task tonight - bar maybe Graeme Souness - but that first-half spell was still pretty chastening.

Real Madrid are champions of Europe for a reason.

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Bulgarian minnows Ludogorets are now level on points with Liverpool in Group B after a late goal against 10-man Basel gives them a 1-0 win. Defender Yordan Minev is the hero of the hour.

It's 5-0 to Atletico as substitute Alessio Cerci gets their final goal against Malmo.

"If Arsenal had have lost tonight the knives would have been out for Arsene Wenger.

"In these games you have to play to the final whistle. As I said before, the young players do lose concentration and that is when the quality shines through.

"The character and spirit in the team is obviously there. But for 80 minutes I was thinking it was a poor performance and I couldn't understand the substitution of Danny Welbeck.

"Arsenal were very lucky in the end because they didn't create that much. I think the chance for Vanden Borre five minutes from the end was the real turning point."

Real Madrid - with a perfect nine points - are six points clear of the chasing pack in Group B, while Arsenal are now sitting pretty in second in Group D behind leaders Dortmund.

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Things keep getting better for Arsenal with Galatasaray on the wrong end of a 4-0 thumping by Borussia Dortmund as Adrian Ramos continues his bright start to the season since signing from Hertha Berlin by coming off the bench to score after less than a minute on the pitch.

And Atletico Madrid are also 4-0 up against Malmo with captain Diego Godin claiming a late goal, heading in from a corner.

Mohamed Gaafar [21:21] - you owe us a rewrite. The Arsenal shambles ends with a barely believable win...

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More shirt swapping now as the European champions teach Liverpool a lesson or two...

Arsenal have been pretty average tonight - but what a few minutes to end Arsene Wenger's 65th birthday...

Five minutes to go - and the Premier League are 4-0 down. What's going wrong?

"A defeat tonight wouldn't be a complete disaster. They still have time to recover in the group. But they don't want to have to go to Galatasaray needing a draw in the last game, let alone a win. It's a intimidating place to go."

Arsenal are a mess. And they should be out of this one once and for all as sub Matias Suarez runs through and is well kept out by Emiliano Martinez, before the Arsenal keeper then makes another good save from Andy Najar.

Not the birthday Arsene Wenger would have wanted so far.

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Mark Pougatch is joined by Phil Neville and Robbie Savage on 5 live's football social this evening and that man Mario Balotelli is dominating all the news from Anfield after he swapped his shirt at half-time with Real Madrid defender Pepe.

Also, after a less than convincing performance from Arsenal against Anderlecht, what would you like to give Arsene Wenger today as he celebrates his 65th birthday.

Call 0500 909 693 Text 85058 Tweet @bbc5live

Everything but the goal from Alexis Sanchez tonight. The Arsenal man has been a class above his team-mates and curls a free-kick into the side-netting from 20 yards. Very, very close!

Mohamed Gaafar: Shambles from AFC. No point in getting through to the next round. 4-1-4-1 doesn't work. Wenger unable to adapt when needed.

Adam Palethorpe: What do the board see in Wenger other from an accountant? There's sense and then there's the board. Do they watch our games?

Arsenal could be toasted here! They are all over the shop at the back as the Belgians pick a way through, it runs into the path of right-back Anthony Vanden Borre, whose contact is horrible but it still bobbles up against the crossbar. Big let-off for Arsene Wenger.

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It's just occurred to me that Dejan Lovren cost the same amount of money as Toni Kroos this summer. Great shopping from Real Madrid. Kroos is a class act.

There's been little in the way of a response from Arsenal since they went a goal down, Danny Welbeck has come off though with Joel Campbell on in his place. Arsenal have 13 minutes to find an equaliser.

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Cristiano Ronaldo won't break any records tonight. He's given 15 minutes off as Sami Khedira gets a rare run-out, with a few Liverpool fans applauding him off. Rest your bones for El Clasico.

"A great header from Andy Najar, from a brilliant cross. Najar with a wonderful climb over the back of Chambers and he headed it down past Martinez, who was slow to get down.

"Arsenal were just getting on top. It was given away sloppily by Cazorla in midfield. Gibbs had gone on the attack and couldn't get back."

Liverpool almost scramble a way through in a scruffy attack, before Real Madrid swap the sledgehammer for the scalpel and precisely pick a way through. Karim Benzema adds the engine to run it through the middle, and he lays it off to James Rodriguez. The Colombian hits an early side-footer - and sends it a yard wide. Almost four. Almost brilliant.

Pete Nicholson: Can everyone remember this team beating Bayern Munich 4-0 last season? Then grow up. This is good experience for a young team.

Kris Blackburn: Have I really just seen someone calling for Rodgers to get sacked? Some fans can be ludicrous.

Ryan Cowie: Anyone calling for Rodgers to go is deluded. Wouldn't be in Champions League or be complaining about being fifth if it wasn't for him.

Raheem Sterling lofts in a curled effort from 20 yards which Iker Casillas rather sportingly turns over the bar. He could have caught that.

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And the goals have been flying in at the Vicente Calderon Stadium where Atletico Madrid now lead Malmo 3-0. Croatian international Mario Mandzukic made it 2-0 and three minutes later French winger Antoine Griezmann gets in on the act as the La Liga clubs again show their class.

Mandzukic, a summer signing from Bayern Munich, has now scored 19 goals in 23 Champions League appearances.

"Santi Cazorla is one on one with the goalkeeper and he should score. It's the first time he has really been in behind.

"This is a crucial time in the game and Arsenal need to capitalise on it.

"These games are difficult and we do expect better from Arsenal and for them to win, but there is still time to do that."

Double change. Jordan Henderson is replaced by Emre Can and Lazar Markovic comes on for Philippe Coutinho. He gets a big reception, arguably Liverpool's brightest player tonight.

There are 23 minutes remaining. Liverpool would take full-time right now.

It's now 2-0 to Leverkusen thanks to on-loan Greek defender Kyriakos Papadopoulos. Easy for you to say.

He is human! Cristiano Ronaldo should have the record-leveller but sees his shot saved by the shins of Simon Mignolet. The move was poetic, Isco down the left, into the run of Karim Benzema who helps it on first time to Ronaldo. He let the ball run across his body and has the whole goal to aim at - but hits the shins of the Belgian keeper.

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Andre Villas-Boas has seen his Zenit St Petersburg side go 1-0 down to Bayer Leverkusen to risk their unbeaten start in Group C. Italian defender Giulio Donato got the goals for the Germans, rounding off a break-away with a fierce long-range strike.

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Regarding Balotelli swapping shirts at half time: "Phil Neville on @bbc5live: Van Nistelrooy exchanged shirts in a Manchester Derby. Fergie said: 'Do that again & you'll be out of the club."

Alexis Sanchez is Arsenal's chief threat tonight. Out on the left now, he finds the run of Santi Cazorla inside him and Cazorla's low shot is well saved by the feet of Silvio Proto.

An average performance maybe, but Sanchez has been ace.

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"Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti showing signs of irritation at one or two demonstrations of complacency from his side here. He will not want to give Liverpool the sniff of an opening here."

This is petering out as a contest now - if it ever was one. How many Premier League players would get into Real Madrid's starting XI? I'm thinking goalkeeper, full-backs and possibly one other may be up for grabs...

The hosts retain a threat, and Emiliano Martinez has to make his first save of the night to keep out a low drive from Cyriac. Straight at him, but powerfully hit.

Arsenal are into the final half hour.

Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale: "Gutted not to be there, it's been a great first 45!! Got to keep it up for the second half #HalaMadrid"

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Both sides have had eight attempts on goal, but that's where the parity ends. Real Madrid cut through Liverpool again but Marcelo's cross is poor when he had three men waiting at the back stick.

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He should do better! Great play again from Alexis Sanchez as he beats his man on the right and finds Aaron Ramsey in the middle, the Welshman works it onto his right foot but is off balance as he strikes it wide from 10 yards. Big chance that...

Atletico Madrid have broken the deadlock against Malmo with Koke giving the La Liga champions and last season's beaten Champions League finalists a 1-0 lead with a close-range finish.

Rick Green in Manchester: I've said for a long time Glen Johnson is simply not a top level full back. Absolutely awful.

Muhammad in Birmingham: Lovren's not the commanding defender and Mignolet's not the commanding keeper that Brendan hoped they would be. Time for Brendan to go.

Mark Greenhalgh in Bolton: Unfortunately, Gerrard is seven years older and his legs have gone. As have Liverpool. 0-7 if Madrid go for it.

Adam Lallana has linked up nicely since coming on and he at least forces Iker Casillas into half of a save, skimming a low drive across the turf and into the keeper's arms. Real Madrid must be thinking about their big game at the weekend now.

On Alexis Sanchez's headed chance: "It was poor from Sanchez. I think he was expecting the goalkeeper come out and I think I saw him wince a little bit."

On Liverpool's Balotelli swapping shirts at half-time: "There are some things you don't do, when you are 3-0 down in the Champions League. You don't go swapping shirts in full view."

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Raheem Sterling is nominally the furthest man forwards in Liverpool's reshuffle, but they still look pretty open to the break. Isco runs at two men and beats them easily before opening up a chance for himself, he cracks in a low shot but it's well blocked.

Chance! There is one on target as Alexis Sanchez heads on Santi Cazorla's free-kick and Silvio Proto keeps it out. Arsenal started the second period in lively fashion.

Chance for Anderlecht as Ibrahima Conte has one deflected wide. There was not a single shot on target in the first half. Lift it!

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Damage limitation?

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Mario Balotelli's ineffectual night is over. He's off at half-time, with Adam Lallana on in his place. TV cameras picked out Balotelli swapping shirts with Pepe in the tunnel which may have something to do with it.

Alex Gidden: This Arsenal performance is baffling. As strange as it may seem they've been worse than Liverpool, who are being stuffed!

Kerry Peter Parvin: One of the most pathetic Arsenal performances I've ever watched, Aldershot would play better! Play with some passion!

Paul Heyman: Very typical Arsenal so far... lots of running around and possession without much real purpose.

Game on...

While we're at it Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 56 more Champions League goals than (the original) Ronaldo!

Or the same amount as Steven Gerrard, Kaka and Nicolas Anelka. Combined.

Crippy Cooke: The biggest worry for Liverpool is that Real Madrid are 3-0 up without playing near their best. Far from vintage tonight.

Loz Smith: It's really worrying that Ronaldo, the best player in the world, is rarely in shot with Glen Johnson. Where is Johnson going?

Samuel Oj: I don't know what Liverpool are doing, pressing Madrid from the start like they're an ordinary Premier League team.

Raul has 71 Champions League goals and the record.

Cristiano Ronaldo now has 70, Lionel Messi has 69 and Ruud van Nistelrooy 56. Further down the list, Karim Benzema has just hit 40. Not bad for an 'average' striker...

"Liverpool suffered a painful 45 minutes there. The combination of a Liverpool defence that has looked vulnerable in most games this season against that world-class Real Madrid attack does not carry a lot of good news for Brendan Rodgers."

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"So it's Anderlecht 0-0 Arsenal in Belgium. Can the Gunners improve in the second half?"

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"It's been a good half. Anderlecht have showed good energy and Arsenal have good quality but they have not really created many chances.

"There has not been a real chance of any note in the game. The quality in the final pass has been lacking.

"It's the last 20 minutes when Arsenal have to show their quality.

"I think Anderlecht have a ploy to get down the sides of Monreal. He doesn't look comfortable in the centre."

"We might have to stop pretending that the Premier League's the strongest in the world. Most entertaining it may be, but La Liga is stronger."

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Fancy man-marking this lad?Cristiano Ronaldo has been everywhere tonight. Absolutely everywhere.

This is the first time Liverpool have conceded three goals in the first half of a Champions League game since the 2005 final. Liverpool have only scored three or more goals once in their last eight home Champions League goals.

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Make that half-time brew a stiff one eh Liverpool fans?

Max Welford: Liverpool are suffering from a below par defence (like last season) but now also from a non existent attack (unlike last season).

Kuntal Majumdar: Absolutely shocking goalkeeping from Mignolet. Could have kept two out of those three out. Unacceptable at European level.

Ian Mitchell: Remember the 2005 Champions League final?

Cristiano Ronaldo looks reasonably pleased with himself as the whistle goes. El Clasico on Saturday - could be quite a week for him.

What a strike! That could have been the start of something special, as Philippe Coutinho gets the ball out of his feet 25 yards out and then smashes one against the far post. Brilliant hit.

Liverpool fans can remember Istanbul with fondness now. Liverpool came from 3-0 down to Carlo Ancelotti's AC Milan side in 05 - could they do it again? Rickie Lambert is on the bench...

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Ewan in Edinburgh: James Rodriguez - so good he only needs one eye to split open a defence.

Lisa: This is men against boys, the only English team that can stop Madrid is Chelsea with a beautifully drilled and parked bus!

Duncan in Richmond: Not playing Queens Park Rangers now Liverpool!

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It's Turkish delight for Borussia Dortmund who are now 3-0 up at Galatasaray with Marco Reus notching just before the break with a stunning long-range strike.

Liverpool are getting a hiding - but hang on a minute! Good chance for Liverpool now as Mario Balotelli is able to find Joe Allen arriving in the middle, he slices his shot just wide from 20 yards.

"The Anderlecht coach has been talking with the referee. He is not happy with some of the tackles Mathieu Flamini has been putting in.

"I think you are seeing a lot of long balls from Arsenal tonight because it is so congested in that midfield area.

"Jack Wilshere just needs to time his pass right. You just see him take that extra touch at times. He needs to work on that.

"Arsenal need to be a bit more patient, they are trying to force it."

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But wait. Olympiakos have weighed in and lead 1-0 against Juventus thanks to a goal from former Fulham man and Swiss international Pajtim Kasami. Something might give in Group A where all four teams kicked off level on points.

Even when he gets it wrong, it's right! Cristiano Ronaldo is at the apex of a swift counter-attack, his touch for once is heavy but he somehow digs out a left-footed cross from right on the goalline and it almost lofts over the head of Simon Mignolet. The keeper just about claws it out as Karim Benzema closes in for a header.

Half-time - which is seven minutes away - can't come soon enough for the men in red.

"Liverpool have enough problems as it is - another is that they now have to chase this game and there is arguably no more devastating side in world football on the counter attack than Real Madrid."

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Alexis Sanchez looks the man most likely to break the deadlock for Arsenal, beating a static backline to a ball over the top but duffing his shot over the top. Pace to burn.

Ashley Wilkinson: Brilliant header but again, where's the defence following the run? All stemmed from Coutinho playing fancy dan on his own 18.

Ohigho Musa: These Liverpool FC boys are naive when it comes to the Champions League stage.

Brett Mills: In one step over, Ronaldo shows more enthusiasm, movement and skill than Balotelli will in the entire 90 minutes.

More than half an hour gone and goals in only two games. Everyone needs a Ronaldo.

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Mario Balotelli has had 15 touches, Cristiano Ronaldo 42. One in particular was very, very good...

Not right now they don't Conor - Liverpool are chasing white shadows...

"Anfield loves a big European night."

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It's not all bad news for Liverpool with Basel, their likely rivals for second spot in Group B, down to 10 men at Ludogorets after midfielder Serey Die is sent off with the score still 0-0.

That was also Cristiano Ronaldo's 20th goal of the season. For years, 20 was the benchmark for a season for a forward. The most Premier League goals Michael Owen ever got in a season was 18.

Ronaldo has got 20 and it's not even Halloween yet! Almost 21 as he rolls away from Steven Gerrard and fires just wide from 20 yards. The man is something else.

Peter Collins: Two to go for Ronaldo. Anybody want to bet against him getting that record tonight?

Jack McNeilly: Brilliant finish from Ronaldo. Liverpool need to sort out their defence.

I Dude: Real Madrid beginning to correct the historical aberration that was their record against Liverpool.

Arsenal are continuing to push for a goal of their own in Brussels but lack a bit of cutting edge. We can't all be Cristiano Ronaldo you know...

I'm not sure Liverpool's's defenders could really have done anything more to stop that goal. They closed down the pass, got tight to the runner - and Real Madrid still scored. Brilliantly done.

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That's now 55 Champions League goals in 55 Champions League games for Ronaldo at Real Madrid.

"Liverpool went for the fast start and the hope of landing some early blows. Real Madrid rolled with those early punches and had looked ominous for a few minutes before that magnificent Cristiano Ronaldo goal."

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It's shaping up to be a decent night for Borussia Dortmund striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang with the Gabon international, 25, getting his second goal already to give Jurgen Klopp's side a 2-0 lead in Galatasaray as the Germans look to stay in control of group D.

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Like Anderlecht, Liverpool started at 100mph but they do seem to be flagging a bit already. Real Madrid are definitely having more time and space in midfield - but Simon Mignolet hasn't had much to do yet.

"Arsenal won't change their style. They must be patient. It might be 60 or 70 minutes when you get your joy in the game, but Anderlecht are using so much energy.

"They are sprinting back and they are sprinting forward. There will come a time in the game when they can't do that and that's when Arsenal will get their chance."

You don't get many tidier midfield pairings than Toni Kroos and Luka Modric. Kroos has completed every one of his passes so far as Real continue to see more of the ball. But Liverpool should be very happy with this start. Their tempo, pressing and energy on the break has worried Real.

More fine wing play from Alexis Sanchez, who has some tremendous pace to catch up with a frankly rubbish ball out to him. He gets there, and puts in a good cross but Danny Welbeck's header is way off target. End-to-end in Brussels, but a bit scrappy too.

James Rodriguez has had some first aid, a massive plaster on a cut in his eyebrow. Nasty one that - reminds me of the time my brother persuaded my mum to help him practice his headers and nutted her right in the face.

She's got a scar in her eyebrow to this day.

Another golden generation of Belgians coming through...?

Eamonn McGurk: Never mind the glamour tie at Anfield, Arsenal v Anderlecht is alphabetically superior!

Luke Gwalchmai: What's Wenger's problem with Joel Campbell? He's a quality player who could contribute greatly but is being ignored, Podolski too.

Jamie Plummer: Keep an eye on Youri Tielemens tonight. 17-year-old CM Belgian. Massive future.

Liverpool have started well. Piling on the pressure now as James Rodriguez leaves the field for some treatment on a facial injury.

More flapping from the great man Iker Casillas though as he comes for a corner and is all over the shop - just about palms it clear. That was scruffy stuff from Casillas.

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Arsenal win a free-kick in a dangerous area but Santi Cazorla can't find his FA Cup final touch and blasts it into the wall. Pretty even stuff so far in Brussels.

Real Madrid stand off Steven Gerrard 35 yards from goal and the Liverpool skipper sees the headlines. He goes for it, real dip on the strike too but Iker Casillas is able to shove it clear. Good hit - good game so far.

"You will see the counter-attack from Anderlecht tonight. Cyriac has real pace. The number 10 Dennis Praet looks a really tidy player too.

"When you have pace up front it will always make teams nervous. Especially this Arsenal back four.

"Cyriac is testing Nacho Monreal early on."

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Clumsy. Nacho Monreal bodychecks Cyriac and goes into the book. Not what the stand-in centre-half needed, a very early yellow card.

Anderlecht are having a good spell but have yet to test Emiliano Martinez in the Gunners goal.

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The first goal of the night comes in Turkey with Borussia Dortmund going 1-0 up against Galatasaray thanks to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

That could help Arsenal further down the line.

Cristiano Ronaldo has his first run out on the left wing - beats Glen Johnson with embarrassing ease before firing a shot at Simon Mignolet in the goal. Easy enough save from the Belgian but the first danger signs from Ronaldo.

Forever Young: Say what you want, but something tells me Balotelli believes he is the best player on this pitch tonight.

Agubata Odinaka: Rodgers will do well to borrow Mourinho's bus and park it well in front of Mignolet. It always works for Jose, why not Rodgers.

Russell Pope: Liverpool going out of the UCL will be a good thing. Rodgers struggling to juggle both. Concentrate on top four.

Big call for referee Nicola Rizzoli! Jordan Henderson switched play with an early crossfield searcher, the ball is allowed to bounce by Pepe and Raheem Sterling smells the danger. If he gets a touch he's away, but Sterling hits the deck under very close pressure from Alvaro Arbeloa.

Is that a foul?! Rizzoli says no. It was a shove in the back - simple as that. Bright start from the hosts.

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"Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers may spend quite a bit of the next phase of his career doing this - less than two minutes in and he was whistling at Mario Balotelli trying to attract the striker's attention after he lost the ball too easily."

Lovely stuff from Alexis Sanchez as he skins his man on the right before cutting the cross back, it runs on into the path of Santi Cazorla. The Spaniard has to hit it first time and gets it all wrong - shanked off his shins and high and wide into the stands. A horrible, horrible shot!

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What a frustrating man Mario Balotelli is. He brings the ball down nicely, turns and runs at the Real defence. Raheem Sterling streaks up no his shoulder and is crying out for a through ball but Balotelli goes it alone and loses the ball. Had to go wide!

Cristiano Ronaldo is loudly jeered as he has his first touch - and is instantly fouled by Jordan Henderson. That could be Henderson's job tonight. Seek and destroy.

"The stadium reminds me a bit of Loftus Road, where the stands are on top of the pitch - small, compact, not many empty seats.

"It's a big night for Arsenal as they often finish second in the group and then get the big draw and that's why they don't progress past the last 16."

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And we are also under way in Belgium.

Liverpool will attack the Kop in the first half after Real Madrid win the toss. Here we go!

The Champions League anthem is loudly received at both of our games tonight. Anfield is rocking, no doubt about that. Liverpool must start well and start hard.

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Mark in Lancashire: I cannot wait to see Mario Balotelli flounder in tonight's game. An absolute shame for Liverpool and clearly a "deluded" moment in the great Mr Rodgers' mind to think that he could ever get anything out of him. "Big game player"? We will see!

Marc in Portsmouth: I'm running out of patience with Balotelli, has must at least put a shift in tonight!

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger on Sky Sports: "This match is an opportunity to put us closer to qualification. We know we need an away performance to get out of this group - and this is the opportunity to do it."

Anderlecht goalkeeper Silvio Proto looks close to tears in Brussels. Come on son, get it together...

'You'll Never Walk Alone' booms out at Anfield. Scarves are raised high, a flag proclaiming Liverpool as 'European Royalty' is hoisted high.

If Liverpool are Royalty, what does that make Real Madrid? Gods?

Paul O'Reilly: Half n half scarves are great souvenirs for non-league fans in big cup matches.

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All this talk of Ronaldo visiting British shores with Real Madrid brings back memories of the original Ronaldo terrorising Manchester United at Old Trafford in 2003.

United won on the night, but went out on aggregate. Ronaldo was brilliant...

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"Great ovation for Liverpool's players as they went to complete their warm up just in front of The Kop - manager Brendan Rodgers insists his team are not underdogs for this game tonight but one look at that array of attacking riches at the disposal of Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti underscores the size of the task facing Rodgers' side."

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Nathaniel Jansen: Ronaldo has never scored at Anfield. Unfortunately his 10 team-mates today are better than the other times he visited.

Rian Hoskins: While Bale's absence is a blow to Madrid, Isco is a terrific young midfielder. Intrigued to see how Glen Johnson handles Ronaldo.

Tom Gee: Looking forward to seeing a Liverpool defence "bullied" by Bobby Zamora at the weekend trying to cope with Ronaldo and co.

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Now we're talking Mark. We can all learn something here. Spartak hammered Arsenal 5-2 in that game in 1982, with former Leeds and Reading manager Brian McDermott in the Arsenal side.

No surprise that Barca & Real feature on your lists.

Who are the best side you've ever seen up against your team? Which side passed you off the park? Who sliced through your defence like a knife through butter? Anyone score a goal against your team which was so good you had to stand and applaud?

Mark Bennett: Thrashed and applauded them off the pitch. 1982 Spartak Moscow beat Arsenal 5-2 at Highbury. Amazing performance.

Niall Kelly: Barca in the UCL final in 09... That team was at its peak.

Aftab Ahmed: Real Madrid in 01 & 03 vs Man Utd. They were on another level going forward in that era.

Basel will be looking to keep the pressure on Liverpool in Group B.

Depending on what happens at Anfield, of course, the Swiss champions could tighten their grip on second place if they follow up their win over Liverpool last time out by beating point-less Ludogorets Razgrad in Bulgaria.

In Group D, Galatasaray could go above Arsenal into second, although that would probably need the Gunners to lose at Anderlecht and Galatasaray to achieve the unlikely and beat group leaders Borussia Dortmund in Turkey.

In Group A, all four teams start tonight with three points.

Last season's losing finalists Atletico Madrid top the group on goal difference and are in Sweden to face Malmo, forever associated with their 1-0 defeat by Nottingham Forest in the 1979 final of the European Cup. Serie A leaders Juventus go to Olympiakos.

In Group C, leaders Monaco go to Benfica, who are the only team in the group without a point. Bayer Leverkusen host unbeaten Zenit St Petersburg, who currently lead the Russian league, under former Chelsea and Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas.

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Vince in Peterborough: I don't know what's more shocking, the fact that Mario Balotelli starts for Liverpool tonight or fact that he was still on the pitch at the end of the QPR game. He is simply not a team player.

Ollie in Lancaster: I honestly think Liverpool have a stronger bench than Real tonight. Come on you red men!

Fear not, we will of course have full live text commentary on El Clasico on Saturday afternoon. A certain Mr Suarez is back...

"Close to strongest possible team for Real Madrid tonight. Ramos and Carvajal in for Varane and Arbeloa, and there's your Clasico line-up."

Alex Corns: First and last one I'll ever buy. And I'll never bring it to a match.

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Tommy Winturbay: Don't understand the hate. Great memento for a first match or big occasion. Not for a Premier League game though.

Andrew Harvey: Half and half scarves are for the people who don't make it to matches often, not for everyone.

We've mentioned the fact that Cristiano Ronaldo is closing in on the record number of goals scored in the Champions League but how about this for a strike rate - since he joined Real Madrid he has scored 54 goals in 54 Champions League games.

Unreal...

"The choice of Bon Jovi's 'Livin' On A Prayer' over Anfield's public address system has been taken by some as a message to Liverpool's defence - so vulnerable this season - as they prepare to face Real Madrid's attacking force of Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and James Rodriguez."

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"I think I had a couple of options throughout my career to go to Real Madrid but I resisted temptation because of the big connection I had to my hometown club."

Those were the words of Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard this week as he reflected on the big white one that got away.

"It may be something I regret further down the line by not challenging myself and having a change of scenery in a different country but I would have had a bigger regret leaving the club I love," he added.

"I am a big fan of Madrid, they are a special club, but for me Liverpool are my number one club."

Is it a mistake for Gerrard to never leave Anfield?

You can listen to our coverage from 5 live by clicking on the 'live coverage' tab at the top of your screens. No need to leave us, just stream it right here.

"I agree with Arsenal Wenger. The performances have been good but Arsenal haven't been getting the results the performances deserve. Although they didn't play well on Saturday against Hull.

"They come up against an inexperienced Anderlecht tonight and the key is to get off to a good start, especially with the young goalkeeper behind them."

Phil Neville and John Murray will provide live coverage of Anderlecht v Arsenal, which kicks off at 19.45 BST, on BBC Radio 5 live.

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So stop Ronaldo, stop Real?

Probably not. The current European champions have World Cup star James Rodriguez to worry Liverpool. And Karim Benzema.

Oh, and Luka Modric. Toni Kroos is pretty good. Isco too. Even Javier Hernandez has been among the goals.

In short, their squad is very, very, very good. Liverpool will need to find the sort of form which saw them steamroller most of the Premier League last spring to pull this one off.

Anfield rises to the Liverpool players as they step out for their pre-match warm-up. A few nerves tonight maybe?

Arsenal's medical team have a longer waiting list than your local doctors' surgery. But there is some cheer for Gunners boss Arsene Wenger as he welcomes back Wales midfielder Aaron Ramsey for his first start since 27 September.

England right-back Calum Chambers also comes back into the team following a domestic suspension as Wenger makes three changes from Saturday's 2-2 home draw against Hull.

As we told you earlier (see 18:55), third-choice keeper Emiliano Martinez makes his Champions League debut in the absence of Wojciech Szczesny (suspension) and David Ospina (injury). His cover on the bench is 17-year-old Englishman Ryan Huddart, who has never made a senior appearance.

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There are plenty of star names on display at Anfield tonight, but one major player will unfortunately be missing.

Former Tottenham man Gareth Bale - the world's most expensive footballer - is out with a thigh injury. He has also been ruled out of the weekend's El Clasico against Barcelona.

A major blow for Real - and for newsagents in Wales.

Alan Kennedy - the left-back was the unlikely hero in the 1981 European Cup final when he scored the winner for Liverpool against Real Madrid in Paris.

His pre-match routine was not exactly textbook - indeed as he says himself: "It was totally ridiculous and would never happen now."

Read more from AK in this fine piece from our very own Sam Sheringham.

Barely a week goes by without Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi breaking a record or two.

And tonight is no different. If Ronaldo scores two goals against Liverpool, he will join Raul as the Champions League joint top-scorer on 71 goals. That record could change hands a lot in the next year or two...

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Liverpool's main forward Mario Balotelli may be struggling in front of goal right now - but you can't say the same about Real Madrid's main man.

In just 12 games for Carlo Ancelotti's side this season, Cristiano Ronaldo has already notched 19 goals (Nineteen!)

Liverpool players - in total - have found the back of the net 17 times in 11 games this term.

Goodness me...

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"Nice buzz around the place."

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers: "We are immensely looking forward to it. This is a huge tie between two incredible clubs.

"Our approach is to be aggressive in the game. We like to play with big pressure at home and that is our idea for the game.

"I'm very fortunate to have a squad of great competitors and you find out about competitors in the great games. The team has taken a bit of criticism, we need to be better but the character in this team is what we need tonight."

As expected, third-choice keeper Emiliano Martinez makes his Champions League debut for Arsenal. England midfielder Jack Wilshere is fit, despite limping off against Hull at the weekend.

Arsenal: Martinez, Chambers, Mertesacker, Monreal, Gibbs; Flamini; Sanchez, Wilshere, Ramsey, Cazorla; Welbeck. Subs: Huddart, Bellerin, Rosicky, Arteta, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Podolski, Campbell.

Who are the best side you've ever seen up against your team? Which side passed you off the park? Who sliced through your defence like a knife through butter? Anyone score a goal against your team which was so good you had to stand and applaud?

Jeremiah Bilinje: The great Milan of 2007 vs Man Utd at San Siro, they ripped us apart.

Oliver Queen: When Arsenal beat Barcelona 2-1. Greatest footballing side in history that.

Max O'Dell: Best team to play at the Lamex is Yeovil, Marek Stech was simply unbeatable, they also had decent defence, midfield and attack.

Callum Garnett: I mean I saw my team, AFC Bournemouth take on Real Madrid in a pre-season last year. That was pretty big.

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Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers says it is "just a matter of time" before Mario Balotelli hits form and tipped him to find the net against Real Madrid this evening.

"He scores big goals in big games. I'm sure he will go into tomorrow, if picked, looking forward," said Rodgers.

"It is just a matter of time before he gets his goals."

Balotelli headed the winner against England in Italy's World Cup opener in the summer, scored both goals when Italy beat Germany 2-1 in the Euro 2012 semi-finals and hit the net twice in Manchester City's 6-1 win over rivals Manchester United in October 2011.

His only goal so far was in the Champions League too. At the Kop end...

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Sellers of 'half & half' scarves will be parading the streets around Anfield tonight. Real Madrid may well be a half that you actually want - but what's the worst half and half scarf you've seen outside a ground?

Better yet - what's the worst one you've bought? Send us a picture!

Get in touch at #bbcfootball, pop on to the BBC Sport Facebook page or BBC Sport's Google+ area.

You can also text us on 81111 in the UK only - don't forget to say who you are and where you are texting from.

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"Anderlecht vs Arsenal for me tonight on BBC Radio 5 live from 7pm."

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Great link Phil.

"Fernando Torres delivered a scintillating solo performance" - not words you see very day. But that's how chief football writer Phil McNulty started his report on 10 March 2009 as Liverpool thrashed Real Madrid 4-0.

Martin Skrtel was in the side that day and could well be again tonight. He and Steven Gerrard are the survivors for Liverpool, while Real still have Iker Casillas, Pepe and Sergio Ramos.

Check out the line-ups here.

"Philippe Coutinho's performance - full of pace, penetration, astute passing and indeed a goal - at QPR on Sunday wins him a starting place for Liverpool against Real Madrid in the Champions League at Anfield tonight.

"Mario Balotelli's display at Loftus Road contained none of these things but he also starts. The screens around Anfield were showing Liverpool's crushing 4-0 win over the current Champions League holders at Anfield in 2009 in the build-up to kick-off. More of the same will do but this is a very different Real side - it boasts Cristiano Ronaldo for a start."

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I don't know if you've given much thought to how you may celebrate your 65th birthday at all?

Some sort of cruise along the Med? A nice family meal? A new car? Go on, treat yourself.

I'd imagine you'd like to be retired - or retiring at least - but not for Arsene Wenger. The Gunners boss is 65 today and will spend it in Brussels with his side.

Three points will no doubt be called 'the perfect present' for the Frenchman. I reckon he'd prefer a bottle of good Claret.

There's no denying the fact that Real Madrid's trip to Anfield is hogging all of the headlines this evening. The glamour tie of the round, the names, the titles, the trophies, the glitz.

But there's another big game for us to focus on tonight too. Over in Brussels Arsenal face Anderlecht with some serious issues at the back.

Emiliano 'Damian' Martinez is in goal, Nacho Monreal may be at centre-half and Hector Bellerin could be at right-back. As makeshift as it gets.

With a two-point cushion over the Belgians already though, a draw may be a good enough result for Arsenal this evening.

Or do they need the win?

With World Cup winners, Ballon d'Or holders and golden boot wearers in their side tonight Real Madrid could well provide a seriously stern test for Liverpool.

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But who are the best side you've ever seen up against your team? Which side passed you off the park? Who sliced through your defence like a knife through butter? Anyone score a goal against your team which was so good you had to stand and applaud?

There's a few I can remember admiring from afar at Sixfields. Marco Gabbiadini was amazing for Darlington one year, and a young Jermain Defoe was pretty good on loan at Bournemouth...

But who are your suggestions?

Get in touch at #bbcfootball, pop on to the BBC Sport Facebook page or BBC Sport's Google+ area.

You can also text us on 81111 in the UK only - don't forget to say who you are and where you are texting from.

Nine games, one goal. Those are the stark figures of Mario Balotelli's Liverpool career to date, and they are figures that have to change if he is to earn a place in the Kop's heart.

Worse than not scoring has been a perceived lack of effort at times, with the big man often seen gesturing angrily to his team-mates instead of chasing down an errant pass or taking the wrong decision when he does get a chance on goal.

Is tonight the night he starts to change all that?

Liverpool XI: Mignolet; Johnson, Lovren, Skrtel, Moreno; Gerrard, Allen, Henderson; Sterling, Balotelli, Coutinho.

Real Madrid XI: Casillas, Arbeloa, Varane, Pepe, Marcelo, Kroos, Modric, Rodriguez, Isco, Ronaldo, Benzema

Liverpool make three changes for the visit of Real Madrid, with left-back Alberto Moreno and midfielders Joe Allen and Philippe Coutinho coming into the side. Jose Enrique, Emre Can and Adam Lallana are the players to make way.

Real Madrid make three changes to the side that beat Levante 5-0 on Saturday, with former Liverpool full-back Alvaro Arbeloa, defender Raphael Varane and forward Karim Benzema coming into the side. Cristiano Ronaldo starts as expected as he looks to score the three goals that would make him the all-time Champions League top scorer, while Gareth Bale is out with a thigh injury.

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Liverpool took a gamble on Mario Balotelli in the summer. The 24-year-old was signed from AC Milan for £16m in a bid to help fill the void left by Luis Suarez, and at that price, at that time, it looked like a shrewd move.

It may still prove to be one. The Italian has more ability in his little toe than some players have in their whole body, he can score all types of goals and has the personality and charisma to lead the attack for a big team.

But at the moment it's just not happening.

With Luis Suarez joining Real Madrid's rivals Barcelona for £75m, and Daniel Sturridge struggling with some nagging injury problems, this season always looked like a tricky assignment for Brendan Rodgers.

It's not been a disaster - in fact Sunday's crazy win at QPR left the Reds in fifth place in the Premier League - but they have rarely played well, and certainly not scaled the heights of six months ago.

And then there's Mario Balotelli...

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It's been a tough few months for Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers.

Six months ago his side were five points clear at the top of the Premier League table with three games to go.

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Six months ago he had Luis Suarez in the form of his life; the Uruguayan had scored 30 goals in 30 league games and was looking like one of the world's best players.

Six months ago he had Daniel Sturridge in the role of Suarez's co-pilot, banging in goals for fun, full of vim and vigour and right on his A game.

Six months ago Steven Gerrard was ready to lift the league trophy.

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But tonight he has no Premier League winners' medal, no Suarez, no Sturridge, five wins in 11 games this season and a visit from Real Madrid to worry about. Our thoughts are with you Brendan...