Cristiano Ronaldo on target as Real Madrid sweep aside Liverpool

Karim Benzema struck a double and Cristiano Ronaldo broke his Anfield duck as Real Madrid crushed Liverpool 3-0 to pull well clear at the top of Group B.

The holders weathered a fast start from the Reds to grab the opener when Ronaldo snared his 70th Champions League goal with a stunning snap volley after a wonderful build-up.

The Portuguese was a constant menace throughout and is now just one goal away from equalling Raul's record in the competition as Los Blancos gave Brendan Rodgers' men a football lesson with a magnificent first-half showing.

Having silenced the buoyant home crowd, the Spanish giants moved up a gear with Benzema taking advantage of some suspect defending to loop in a header before more set piece misery for the Merseysiders saw the Frenchman net from close range.

Philippe Coutinho struck the post with a rasping shot from distance as Liverpool tried to respond, but in truth the Reds were never in it as they went down to their first ever defeat against the Spanish outfit.

Mario Balotelli endured another night of disappointment for his new club and is facing the wrath of the supporters after being seen to swap shirts with Pepe prior to being substituted at half-time.

The result was a stark reminder for Rodgers and co of how far they have to go to match Europe's elite and deepens their fears of missing out on the knockout stages, although Basel's late defeat in Ludogorets means there will now be a three-way tussle for that second spot.

PRE-MATCH - BALOTELLI STARTS: Despite the waves of criticism following another timid display against QPR, Balotelli gets the nod to lead Liverpool's attack. Alberto Moreno returns at left back while Philippe Coutinho starts after his impressive cameo at the weekend. There is also a place for Joe Allen in midfield. Madrid are without both Gareth Bale and Sergio Ramos but it's still a star-studded line-up for the reigning champions. Alvaro Arbeloa starts against his former club while Karim Benzema and Raphael Varane return after missing the 5-0 rout of Levante.

23' - GOAL!Liverpool 0-1 Real Madrid. Ronaldo breaks his Anfield duck and gives Real Madrid the lead. The Portuguese exchanges a one-two with James and cracks a snap volley beyond Mignolet. Wonderful build-up, wonderful finish.

30' - GOAL!Liverpool 0-2 Real Madrid. It's 2-0 and too easy for the visitors. Liverpool don't clear their lines and Kroos is able to curl a ball towards Benzema who loops a header into the far corner.

41' - GOAL!Liverpool 0-3 Real Madrid. It's three. Awful defending from Liverpool as a left-wing corner is bundled across goal by Pepe for Benzema to tuck home from close range. Game over? Most probably.

43' - LIVERPOOL CHANCE! Balotelli cuts the ball back from the right into the path of Allen who slots a shot on the run just wide of Casillas' far post.

45+1' - OFF THE BAR! Coutinho jinks past Kroos and curls a wonderful shot against the post from 25 yards. Unlucky.

HT - SHIRT SWAP DRAMA - Balotelli is spotted swapping shirts with Pepe at half time and is then substituted at the interval after another disappointing display for the Reds.

64' - GREAT SAVE! Benzema volleys a pass to Ronaldo who side steps a defender before seeing his low shot deflect wide off the foot of Mignolet.

74' - REAL MADRID CHANCE! A lovely break from the visitors ends with James cracking a low shot just wide of the post. It could easily be four or five.

75' - RONALDO APPRECIATION - Ronaldo applauded by some Liverpool fans as he goes off with Barca in mind at the weekend. Khedira comes on. Great reaction from the Anfield crowd.

Real Madrid secure their first ever win over Liverpool, netting their maiden goals against the Reds too.

Iker Casillas made his 143th Champions League appearance, surpassing former teammate Raúl (142) and equalling all-time record holder Xavi.

Los Blancos have won each of their last seven games in Europe scoring 21 goals and conceding only three.

Ronaldo is just one goal away from equalling Raul's Champions League record haul of 71.

Karim Benzema is the third player to score a brace against Liverpool at Anfield in the Champions League (Ivanovic & Ümit Karan were the others).

Will Liverpool make the knockout stage? It is conceivable that the Reds could be in real trouble if Brendan Rodgers' men lose in Madrid on matchday four. It would still be achievable to progress but given their sporadic form so far this term it is hard to predict what awaits Liverpool in the coming months. The side are lacking goals in the absence of Sturridge and with such a leaky defence it's hard to see how they can find the consistency to match the height of expectation created by last season's exploits. Ludogorets and Basel have proved they can give Liverpool a game and unless there is dramatic improvement they could be set for an early exit after fighting so hard to regain their seat at Europe's top table.

Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid): A class above. The Portuguese hadn't netted in five previous visits to Anfield, so it was nailed on he'd score - and he did with a sublime opener.

Liverpool: Mignolet 5, Johnson 5, Moreno 5, Lovren 5, Skrtel 5, Gerrard 5, Allen 5, Henderson 5, Coutinho 6, Sterling 6, Balotelli 5. Subs: Lallana 6, Markovic 5, Can 5.

Real Madrid: Casillas 6, Arbeloa 6, Marcelo 7, Pepe 6, Varane 7, Kroos 7, Modric 7, Isco 7, James Rodriguez 7, Ronaldo 8, Benzema 7. Subs: Khedira 5, Illarra 5, Nacho 5.