Liverpool 0-3 Real Madrid as it happened

1. Lallana replaces Balotelli at break
2. Ronaldo's 70th Champions League goal
3. Anderlecht 1-2 Arsenal
4. Gibbs and Podolski score late on

Real keep on going then - but they come up against Barcelona and Luis Suarez on Saturday afternoon.

Join us for live text commentary, the game kicks off at 17:00 BST.

See you there.

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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.

Player reaction

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."

Manager reaction

BBC Radio 5 live

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...

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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.

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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.

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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.

Player reaction

Reuters

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."

Who's next?

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

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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!

Manager reaction

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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."

Manager reaction

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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."

Manager reaction

Reuters

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?

Manager reaction

AP

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.

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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.

Player reaction

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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.

EPA

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.

Phil Neville

BBC Radio 5 live in Anderlecht

"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.

FULL-TIME

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

FULL-TIME

EPA

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...

GOAL

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It's safe to say that this was not on the cards! Arsenal have found a win from the very edge of defeat in Brussels! Substitute Lukas Podolski has it, smashing home into the roof of the net from six yards out after the Anderlecht defence capitulated. Shocking defending, but as Alexis Sanchez kept the ball alive Podolski put his foot through it and laced it into the net.

GOAL

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Wow! What technique this is, Robin van Persie would be proud of that one! Calum Chambers crosses from the right, it's deep and over the strikers but Kieran Gibbs runs on to it and provides a classic finish. Side-footed volley, doesn't try and lash at it, just guides the ball back across goal and into the corner. A really well-taken goal indeed. A salvage act.

FINAL FIVE

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

Phil Neville

BBC Radio 5 live in Anderlecht

"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."

GREAT SAVE!

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.

HAVE YOUR SAY

BBC Radio 5 live

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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

CLOSE!

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!

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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?

HITS THE WOODWORK

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.

SUBSTITUTION

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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.

Phil Neville

BBC Radio 5 live in Anderlecht

"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."

CLOSE!

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.

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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.

GOAL

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Shock o'clock? Great header as Anderlecht take the lead. Per Mertesacker is caught too deep and Dennis Praet gets in behind him, before standing up a cross which Andy Najar plants back across goal and into the corner. Arsenal 20 minutes away from a painful result.

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.

Phil Neville

BBC Radio 5 live in Anderlecht

"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."

SUBSTITUTION

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.

GREAT SAVE!

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.

EPA

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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Conor McNamara

BBC commentator at Anfield

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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."

CLOSE!

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.

BBC Sport chief football writer Phil McNulty at Anfield

EPA

"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.

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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"

@GarethBale11

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.

CLOSE!

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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.

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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.

Phil Neville

BBC Radio 5 live in Anderlecht

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."

EPA

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.

GREAT SAVE!

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!

KICK-OFF

AP

Damage limitation?

SUBSTITUTION

Reuters

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.

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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.

KICK-OFF

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.

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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.

Champions League goals

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...

BBC Sport chief football writer Phil McNulty at Anfield

"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."

BBC Radio 5 live

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

Phil Neville

BBC Radio 5 live in Anderlecht

AP

"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."

Gary Lineker

BBC Sport

"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."

Who's marking him?

opta

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

"We are in trouble here..."

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?

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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?

HALF-TIME

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

HITS THE WOODWORK

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.

HALF-TIME

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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AP

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.

CLOSE!

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.

GOAL

Empics

Reuters

We can praise Real Madrid for their play at times but this is just a shambles. Rubbish defending from Liverpool, three men go up for a header from a corner and miss it, Simon Mignolet tries to tackle Pepe as the ball bounces clear and the loose ball falls at the feet of Karim Benzema. He can't miss - and doesn't.

Phil Neville

BBC Radio 5 live in Anderlecht

"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."

AP

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.

CLOSE!

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.

BBC Sport chief football writer Phil McNulty at Anfield

"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."

EPA

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.

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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.

Reuters

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...

Conor McNamara

BBC commentator at Anfield

"Anfield loves a big European night."

‏@ConorMcNamaraIE

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.

GOAL

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That early pressure has taken its toll on Liverpool, they can't get close any more and if you give these Real Madrid players time and space they will hurt you. Toni Kroos has time to measure a cross from a half-cleared corner, he floats it onto the head of Karim Benzema, and he beats Simon Mignolet to the ball before heading in from a tight angle.

He had plenty to do, but he did it superbly. Floated home from beyond the far post.

Liverpool in real trouble now...

CLOSE!

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.

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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.

BBC Sport chief football writer Phil McNulty at Anfield

"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."

GOAL

AP

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What a goal! Absolutely brilliant! Cristiano Ronaldo has his 70th Champions League goal and it's just wonderful. He starts the move in midfield before laying off to James Rodriguez. Rodriguez is central, 30 yards from goal and has three red shirts in his face. No way out? You bet.

He stops the ball and then lifts it over the top with his toe, a wonderful chipped pass.

It is into the run of Ronaldo, who has Martin Skrtel right on him. It doesn't matter, as Ronaldo takes it on the bounce and thumps home from 15 yards. Unstoppable.

Reuters

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.

AP

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.

Phil Neville

BBC Radio 5 live in Anderlecht

"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.

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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...?

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

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.

CLOSE!

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.

Phil Neville

BBC Radio 5 live in Anderlecht

"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."