Jamie Carragher should probably be fired as an analyst after questioning Real Madrid's manifest destiny in the Champions League.
The 14-time winners appeared to live a charmed existence during last year's run to the title — coming back from 2-0 down in the final 30 minutes against PSG, coming back from 4-3 down in the final 10 minutes against Chelsea and coming back from 5-3 down in the final mere minutes against Manchester City before Thibaut Courtois' heroics in the final — but those are probably best analyzed as simply "Real Madrid things."
Carragher went the opposite direction, calling it luck during CBS Sports' pregame coverage of Tuesday's UCL Round of 16 first leg between Liverpool and Real Madrid at Anfield. Like many Reds, he's simply in denial.
"I think Real Madrid were one of the luckiest teams to ever win the #UCL..."@Carra23 with the hot take. pic.twitter.com/0a9N7Rnpsy
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) February 21, 2023
Carragher was momentarily vindicated as Liverpool roared to a 2-0 lead in the opening 14 minutes.
DARWIN NÚÑEZ WITH AN AUDACIOUS FINISH.
Liverpool stun Real Madrid inside 4 minutes. pic.twitter.com/CPemMQ06lp— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) February 21, 2023
MO MAKES IT TWO.
Courtois won’t want to watch this back. pic.twitter.com/eQoYIIzcss— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) February 21, 2023
But then Lady Luck reared her ugly head and Real Madrid put five past Liverpool unanswered.
Vinícius' first was clearly just the byproduct of being luckily blessed with outrageous ability.
VINI JR. CREATES SOMETHING OUT OF NOTHING. pic.twitter.com/37B1e2Xiw4
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) February 21, 2023
Vini's second was down to the fortune of playing against a keeper who gets overconfident.
Vini Jr. with an incredible no-look finish. pic.twitter.com/DGFLbZ0uiu
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) February 21, 2023
The third was a blessing bestowed by Liverpool's static defensive line.
STRAIGHT OFF THE TRAINING GROUND!
Éder Militão gives Real Madrid their first lead of the day. What a turnaround from the reigning champs. pic.twitter.com/x4nX32pUSg— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) February 21, 2023
The fourth was a fluke off Joe Gomez.
It goes from bad to worse for Liverpool.
Real Madrid has their fourth of the day. pic.twitter.com/UEMaVDOhkz— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) February 21, 2023
The fifth was more bogus Real prosperity because they've got the Ballon d'Or winner.
Real Madrid hit Liverpool on the counter, it's 5 and Karim Benzema's composure is on display. pic.twitter.com/87UL2NxkDy
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) February 21, 2023
You see? All pure luck again.
Unluckily for Liverpool, they must now go to the Bernabéu for the return leg on March 15.
