Karim Benzema said Real Madrid needed time to get going but showed their true colours eventually as they thrashed Liverpool 5-2 at Anfield in the Champions League last 16 first leg on Tuesday.
The France forward dedicated the win to late Madrid great Amancio Amaro, who died at 83 earlier in the day.
“It’s a very important night for us, I want to dedicate this win to our honourary president, Amancio,” Madrid captain Benzema told Movistar.
“This victory is for him, with personality, goals. We want this Champions League.
“It was a beautiful game for everyone because we started a bit badly, we know Liverpool with their fans put on a lot of pressure, but after 15, 20 minutes, then we saw Real Madrid.”
Liverpool went two goals ahead at the start but Madrid came back with a vengeance to run out comfortable winners.
Vinicius Junior, who netted the winner against Jurgen Klopp’s side in the 2022 final, hit a brace, as did Karim Benzema, while Eder Militao scored a header.
“We know football is always difficult, they started well,” added Benzema.
“Two errors after 14 minutes, we need to do more – what we did until the end.
“A goal can change everything and it happened today.”
