Good evening! We have a treat in store for you tonight as Real Madrid and Liverpool once again go head to head in Group B of the Champions League. These two have won the famous trophy 15 times between them, but enter the game in contrasting form. It should be an intriguing encounter, and one that could have major implications for the next round of the competition. We have a bumper build-up for the special occasion tonight, and we'll start with a look at the hosts...

Is there a team in world football playing better than Real Madrid right now? It is unlikely. The reigning champions of Europe have been in magnificent form in the current campaign, and it is hard to see anybody stopping them right now. They have overcome big tests recently in the same emphatic style that they dispatched of the teams they were expected to comfortably beat, and it would take a brave person to bet against them doing a clean sweep of trophies right now.

Perhaps their most impressive performance in recent weeks came in El Clasico, when they comfortably beat a Barcelona side that was top of the Primera Division table and had not conceded a league goal up until that point. Barca actually took the lead in that match very early on, but Madrid did not panic and kept the Catalan giants' key players very quiet throughout. They eventually won 3-1, and the two-goal scoreline did not flatter them one bit.

That result came just a few days after they had travelled to Anfield in the reverse fixture of this tie, and once again they made easy work of the considerable challenge in front of them. Liverpool may not be in great form right now, but it was the first major European night at Anfield for a long time, and the Reds at home are always a tricky customer. However, Madrid had the match sewn up by half time and could have gone on to win by more than the 3-0 margin had they really pushed on in the second half.

The victory saw them maintain their 100% record in the Champions League this season, and unsurprisingly they sit top of Group B on the verge of qualification. Indeed, victory tonight would see them guarantee a spot in the next round as they would be unable to finish any lower than second in the group. They thrashed Basel on matchday one to take control of the standings early on, but were given a scare before scraping past Ludogorets in their second game.

Right now, though, it is hard to see past Madrid becoming the first side to retain the trophy in the Champions League era. Barcelona are expected to be one of their toughest tests, but they have already passed that one in the league now, and having thrashed Bayern Munich in the semi-finals last year they will be confident against the Germans should they meet again this time around. Even Atletico Madrid, who pushed them so close in the final last season, have lost a number of key players and may not fancy their chances against this Madrid side right now, despite having already beaten them in the league this season.

That was one of two defeats that made it a relatively shaky start to the campaign for Madrid. They only picked up three of the first possible nine points in La Liga, and some had already written them off in the title race given the storming start that Barcelona had made. However, perfection since then has seen Carlo Ancelotti's side rise to the top of the domestic table, one point clear of Valencia and Atletico.

They come into this match on a quite frankly ridiculous run of 11 consecutive victories in all competitions, and almost all of their wins have been comfortable ones. Their biggest weapon is the potent strike force they have at their disposal, and in that 11-match winning streak they have found the net a staggering 46 times. Things aren't bad at the other end either, where Madrid have kept five clean sheets and only conceded seven goals in the 11-match run.

They are the joint top scorers in the Champions League group stages after three games, and in the league there is nobody - not even Lionel Messi's Barcelona, that can get close to them. Madrid have scored a remarkable 37 goals in La Liga already this season, at an average of 3.7 per game. That is 14 goals more than the next highest scorers. Their defensive record of 10 goals conceded in as many games is not exactly great - four teams have conceded fewer - but when you're scoring so many at the other end it doesn't matter too much.

Their home form, unsurprisingly, has also been highly impressive, with four consecutive victories at the Bernabeu coming into this match. They have been beaten here this season, with city rivals Atletico emerging 2-1 victors towards the start of the campaign, but since then only Barcelona, who conceded three, have prevented Madrid from scoring at least five goals. That Atletico defeat is also their only home loss in their last 15 competitive outings.

Following a long period of underachievement in the Champions League - certainly by Real Madrid's standards, Los Blancos are back to their best in Europe's elite competition and come into this game on the back of six consecutive victories, including last season's final in Lisbon. That run began following a 2-0 defeat to Dortmund in the quarter-finals last term, which is their only loss in the competition in their last 17 outings. No fewer than 15 of those have ended in victories for Madrid, with Juventus the only other side to prevent the Spanish giants from winning.

So, when you combine such an impressive home record with such an impressive Champions League record, it is no surprise to see that they are a force to be reckoned with at the Bernabeu in Europe. They have won their last nine home games in the Champions League and are unbeaten here since April 2011 - a run of 18 matches that began after Barcelona came away with a 2-0 victory. Indeed, they haven't lost a fixture against foreign opposition here in the Champions League since 2009, when AC Milan won 3-2 in a group game.

The last time they failed to win a home Champions League game did come against English opposition, however, as Manchester United came away with a 1-1 draw in the 2012-13 last 16. They were the most recent English visitors to the Bernabeu, and there has been some encouragement on previous trips to the Spanish capital. Madrid's overall home record against clubs from the Premier League stands at six wins, five draws and two defeats. You'd have to say that a draw would be a great result for Liverpool tonight.

Ancelotti does, of course, have experience of managing in England having spent a successful stint at Chelsea, and the Italian has forged a fine reputation at every club he has been at. He is one of only two managers - along with Liverpool legend Bob Paisley - to lift the trophy three times, and he could well have his eyes set on moving alone with four winners' medals this season.

He doesn't have all good memories of this competition, however, having been in charge of AC Milan for the famous 2005 final against tonight's opponents. Milan were 3-0 up at half time and looked to be cruising to success, but Liverpool launched an extraordinary comeback to eventually win their fifth title on penalties. Ancelotti did get revenge two years later, however, as Milan one 2-1 against Liverpool in the 2007 final.

TEAM NEWS: The teams news is in for both sides, and it makes very interesting reading. Brendan Rodgers has controversially opted to drop a number of key players, such as Gerrard, Sterling, Coutinho, Henderson and Balotelli, to the bench, with Borini leading the line. Madrid, meanwhile, name Bale on the bench following his recent injury troubles, with Isco retaining his place in the side. Full teams for both sides coming up...

REAL MADRID STARTING XI: Casillas; Arbeloa, Varane, Ramos, Marcelo; Modric, Kroos; Rodriguez, Isco, Ronaldo; Benzema

REAL MADRID SUBS: Navas, Pepe, Bale, Hernandez, Nacho, Medran, Lucas Torro

LIVERPOOL STARTING XI: Mignolet; Manquillo, Toure, Skrtel, Moreno; Lucas, Can, Allen; Lallana, Markovic, Borini

LIVERPOOL SUBS: Jones, Johnson, Gerrard, Henderson, Coutinho, Sterling, Balotelli

Where to start with that, then?! Well, as far as the hosts are concerned, it isn't much of a surprise to see Bale left on the bench given his recent injury troubles plus Isco fine form in the Welshman's absence. The world's most expensive player is not a bad sub to be able to bring on, and he would certainly not make an already formidable front line any weaker. Benzema scored twice in the reverse fixture a fortnight ago, while James has also been in good goalscoring form himself recently.

The jewel in the crown is, of course, Ronaldo, though. We are running out of superlatives to throw at the attacker, who seems to be having the best season yet of an already incredible career. He has scored 22 goals in 15 games this season, including 17 in nine league matches - four more than Liverpool as a team have managed in 10 games. He has scored in 12 consecutive matches now and has only failed to find the back of the net in one game that he has played in this season. Simply put, there is no player in better form right now.

This could be (another) historic night for Ronaldo too, as he is just one goal short of Raul's all-time Champions League goalscoring record. The Portuguese striker's magnificent effort in the reverse fixture between these two was his 70th goal in the competition, and a brace tonight - which certainly is not out of the question - would see him break the record outright. Messi, who is two goals short of the record, plays tomorrow, so Ronaldo will want to keep his nose ahead of his eternal rival.

Madrid have quality throughout their ranks even if Ronaldo has a quiet game, which he never seems to. Kroos and Modric pulled the strings in midfield at Anfield a fortnight ago, while the defence comfortably dealt with anything Liverpool threw at them. Varane was particularly impressive, and the Frenchman is back in the side tonight having scored a brace in the Copa del Rey recently. Alongside him there is a spot for former Liverpool defender Arbeloa, who fills in for the injured Carvajal.

How can Liverpool stop such a rampant team? Well, Brendan Rodgers's team selection suggests that he doesn't think they can. There is an air of resignation to the side he has named tonight, with it being more akin to a lineup played in the League Cup than what is quite possibly their toughest match for five years at least. Even so, with a huge match against Chelsea on the horizon at the weekend, you can see the logic behind the decision to rest so many key players.

The one hope Rodgers might have for tonight is that the fringe players show a real desire and passion to earn a more regular starting spot in the team. Liverpool enjoyed a good spell in the opening 20 minutes of the reverse fixture when their players hounded the opposition and pressed them high up the field. That energy could be brought about by players keen to make their mark, although ultimately it will come down to quality.

Liverpool fans will be shuddering at the thought of Kolo Toure coming up against Ronaldo, but for the likes of Manquillo and Moreno, this will be an invaluable experience tonight. With such a fierce attacking lineup against them, each member of the back four, in addition to Mignolet, will have to be on top of their game to simply keep the score down, and they will need a lot of help from those in front too.

Lucas has been in and out of the team a little this season, but on form he can be a very effective screen for the back four, and he will need to use that quality in abundance tonight. Can has shown signs of his talent during his short Liverpool career so far, but he is still young and lacks that experience that can be so crucial in matches like this. It is a surprise to see Gerrard left on the bench for such a big game, but the skipper has played every minute of every Premier League and Champions League game so far this season, so Rodgers has opted to give him a rest tonight.

Up front, Balotelli is among those dropped to the bench, but there is no place in the squad for Lambert as Borini is the man given the nod up front. One criticism of Liverpool this season is that there has been a lack of movement up front in the absence of Sturridge, and Borini should help to solve that with his energetic performances. However, questions must be raised over whether he has the sufficient quality to really trouble this Madrid defence.

Perhaps the most surprising omission of all tonight is that of Sterling, who hasn't been in his best form recently but is still a very dangerous player when he gets going. With Liverpool expected to be spending most of their time defending this evening, counter-attacks could be crucial, and they don't come much better on the break than Sterling with his pace and increasing composure. His absence is a clear sign that Rodgers has his eyes set firmly on Chelsea this weekend.

In truth, while the team named by Rodgers is a controversial one, domestic matters are of greater importance to Liverpool right now. They have been in poor form in the Premier League, and another defeat against a Chelsea side who are yet to lose this season would be another major blow to their hopes of reaching the Champions League next season. Even the most optimistic of Liverpool fans won't be expecting much from this match tonight, but Saturday's game at Anfield is one that they can look to get at least a point from.

While almost all of Real Madrid's victories have been convincing this season, Liverpool can only really look at one match and compare it to the rampant side that so nearly won the Premier League title last season. Their 3-0 victory over Tottenham saw them play with an energy and pace that has been lacking in all of their other matches. Their performances have been very disappointing so far, and it is a rut Rodgers needs to drag his side out of sooner rather than later.

The most recent of those performances saw them go down 1-0 to in-form Newcastle at the weekend. It was another tepid display from the Reds there, which would have come as an even bigger disappointment than usual following their late comeback against Swansea in the League Cup in midweek. Balotelli sparked two goals in the closing stages to put them in the quarter-finals, but neither club nor player could use that as a springboard for a good run of form.

As a result, they are now seventh in the Premier League table having amassed just 14 points from their 10 games so far this season. They have already lost four games - just two fewer than in the whole of the last campaign, while in all competitions they have won six and lost six. Consistency has been a real issue for the club, and the vast majority of those victories have been narrow ones that they dug out when not at their best.

The big thing missing from the Liverpool side right now is goals. They netted 101 times last season and always fancied themselves to outscore the opposition despite their defence being very leaky. That was usually the case, but this time around they have only managed 13 goals in the league, which is the joint lowest tally in the top half of the table and less than a third of what Madrid have scored in La Liga.

In terms of the Champions League, they were helped out a fortnight ago by a late Ludogorets goal that gave them a victory over Basel, leaving three teams tied on three points in the race for second place. None of them can be eliminated tonight, but defeat this evening for Liverpool, coupled with a win for either Basel or Ludogorets in Switzerland, would leave the Reds' Champions League qualification hopes hanging in the balance. They could well be left needing to win both of their last two games.

Their record this time around is, in fact, identical to their last Champions League group stage in the 2009-10 campaign, They began that with just three points from three games, and went on to finish third in their group, dropping into the Europa League as a result. Incidentally, they reached the semi-finals of the Europa League last season, where they were eliminated by Atletico Madrid - a tie which saw them make most recent last trip to Spain.

Their overall pedigree in this competition is not in doubt, with five trophies to their names over the years, but in recent years they have failed to even qualify, and they didn't distinguish themselves particularly in their last campaign either. They have now won just one of their last five Champions League away games, a run that started after beating Madrid 1-0 at the Bernabeu in February 2009 courtesy of a Yossi Benayoun strike. A repeat result tonight would be a huge shock, it must be said.

Their overall away form this season has not been convincing either, despite boasting the best record on the road in the Premier League last season. They have lost four of their six outings on their travels this season, including three of their last four. Their solitary Champions League away game so far resulted in a 1-0 loss at the hands of Basel, while Manchester City, West Ham and Newcastle have also beaten a travelling Liverpool side.

Liverpool's decline in form may have been easier for stomach for Rodgers had their defence shown signs of improvement from last season, but that has remained a weak spot while the strikers have been misfiring - a recipe for defeat if ever there was one. The Reds have only kept two clean sheets in their 15 matches in all competitions this season - a run that stretches back to two in 21 if you count the end of the last campaign - and it would be a minor miracle if they were to keep the free-scoring Madrid attack at bay tonight.

However, they do, curiously, have a better win ratio against La Liga opposition on Spanish soil than they do at Anfield. They have played in Spain 14 times over the years, winning seven, drawing four and losing three, compared to four wins, six draws and four defeats from their matches in England. Rarely would they have faced odds as high as they do tonight, however, and those types of statistics become meaningless when faced with the attacking force of Ronaldo and co.

Much like Madrid arrived at Anfield looking for revenge following their humiliation at the hands of Liverpool last time they met in 2009, the Reds could also be looking for a bit of payback tonight. Their 3-0 defeat a fortnight ago was the biggest ever home defeat in a European match, and in truth it could have been a few more. One suspects that Liverpool's side are a little less capable of pulling off such revenge tonight, though.

PREDICTION: We're 10 minutes from kickoff at the Bernabeu, which means that it is time for a prediction! I really can't see past a comfortable Madrid victory tonight, much like it was at Anfield a fortnight ago. The hosts look unstoppable at present, while Liverpool look anything but. It will be interesting to see exactly how defensive Rodgers goes, but for me Madrid will break through multiple times regardless. I'm going for a 4-0 victory for Los Blancos.

A 4-0 Real Madrid victory would not be complete without Ronaldo getting on the scoresheet, and as a little bonus prediction I think that the Portuguese maestro will get a couple of goals tonight, breaking Raul's Champions League record in the process.

Real Madrid's victory at Anfield a fortnight ago was actually the first time that they had avoided defeat or even scored a goal against Liverpool. They had lost all three of their previous encounters, going down 5-0 on aggregate in 2009 while also losing the 1981 European Cup final courtesy of an Alan Kennedy strike. The Reds were the only side to have played Madrid more than once and boast a 100% record, but that proud claim has now gone.

Madrid's overall record against English clubs is actually pretty mixed. They have won 12, drawn nine and lost 10 of their meetings with teams from the Premier League, although only two of those defeats have come here at the Bernabeu. Los Blancos have scored in 41 of their last 42 European matches, notching 115 goals in the process.

It being a Champions League night, there are plenty of matches on offer for you tonight, and Sports Mole has them all covered. I will also be keeping you up to date with major events from around Europe, keeping a particularly close eye on events in Switzerland, where Basel are hosting Ludogorets in the other Group B match.

KICKOFF: Here we go then! Liverpool get us underway ahead of a huge challenge at the Bernabeu as they look to pull off one of the biggest shocks of the season. Can they do it, or will Madrid see out an expected victory?

A solid start from the visitors as they keep the ball well in the opening stages. They also made a good start to the reverse fixture at Anfield before simply being outclassed, so will be wary of letting Madrid gain control of this game with a period of their own possession.

CHANCE! Madrid do get that possession, and immediately conjure up the first chance of the game. Benzema slips a ball into James, who has found a bit of space on the edge of the box. He looks for the corner with a curling effort, but Mignolet is at full stretch to make a fine stop.

That would have been disastrous had Liverpool conceded so early, but aside from that Madrid chance, the visitors have made a good start to this match. They have seen plenty of the ball, with a lot of it coming in the Madrid half, without testing Casillas thus far.

Madrid themselves have been a little sloppy in possession so far, sending a number of passes astray. Their real dominance came at Anfield when they made very few errors on the ball, but that has not been the case so far tonight.

CHANCE! Another chance falls the way of Madrid, and this time it comes via a Skrtel mistake. Benzema pounced on the ball inside the ball and laid it back for Ronaldo, who drew another decent save from Mignolet. Liverpool cannot afford to gift this Madrid side goals.

Rodgers will be very happy with how his side have started this match, knocking the ball about nicely and preventing Madrid from getting an early stranglehold on the game. Even so, Madrid have already created two good chances, and those are warning shots that Liverpool must take note of.

Madrid come forward again as Kroos sees his effort blocked by Skrtel, forcing the hosts out wide. The ball eventually arrives in the box and Ronaldo attacks it, but Mignolet is commanding in the air and comes out to claim.

Lovely play from Modric as he collects a Varane header and immediately spins past his man before playing a pass down the channel for Benzema. The French striker initially looks to have got the better of Toure, but the experienced Liverpool defender recovers well.

Markovic has a chance to break at the other end, and he looks to use his pace by knocking the ball beyond Varane and racing onto it. However, the youngster defends it really well and mops up the danger in style.

SAVE! Electric play from Ronaldo as he races at the Liverpool defence, bursting past a couple of challenges and into the box. He is forced wide, however, and his subsequent cross/shot is easily cut out by Mignolet at the front post.

Madrid are starting to gain a measure of control over this game now, knocking the ball out nicely and looking dangerous every time they come forward. However, Liverpool are also looking confident in possession despite not posing as much of a threat in the final third.

UPDATE: The first Champions League goal of the evening finally goes in over in Turin, where Juventus have taken the lead against Olympiacos courtesy of an Andrea Pirlo strike.

Borini was brought into the Liverpool side to give them more movement up front, and he has certainly provided that so far. They look more fluid and free-flowing with him up front than they do with Balotelli, it must be said.

UPDATE: Juventus's lead did not lost long! Olympiacos hit straight back against the Italian champions, with Alberto Botia getting the goal. Elsewhere, Arsenal have broken the deadlock against Anderlecht thanks to Mikel Arteta's penalty.

Just like that, Real Madrid make the breakthrough. It is a lovely little move that releases Marcelo down the left, and the Brazilian's low ball across the face of goal is a beauty. Benzema is there to tuck home from close range, putting it into the roof of the unguarded net. That is three in two games for him against Liverpool.

That is a real blow for Liverpool, who had made such a positive start to the match. Madrid suddenly kicked it up a gear, though, and that is how quickly they can hurt teams. Few teams can be as devastating out of nothing as Madrid can, and they showed that there.

UPDATE: There is better news for the other English team in action tonight as Arsenal have doubled their advantage against Anderlecht. Alexis Sanchez is the man who got the goal, keeping up his fine scoring record in recent weeks.

Liverpool have a free kick in a good crossing position and a real chance to test Madrid from a set piece, but the hosts deal well with Lallana's ball into the box. It arrives out to Manquillo on the right, but his high cross is straight into the arms of Casillas.

UPDATE: Both Madrid sides are now in the lead tonight, with Atletico breaking the deadlock against Malmo in Sweden. Koke got the goal for last season's runners-up. Basel, meanwhile have taken the lead against Ludogorets, which is bad news for Liverpool. A draw would be the best result for the Reds in that match.

SAVE! Ronaldo has his first chance to hit a free kick from range, and it is a good one from the reigning world player of the year. He strikes it hard towards the far corner, but Mignolet scrambles across his goal to make the stop.

CLOSE! My word, Toure almost scores an own goal that Ronaldo or any other player would have been proud of. Varane played a superb ball forward for Benzema, who took it down on his chest under heavy pressure from Skrtel and Toure, and the latter pokes it over his own keeper and sees it land on the roof of the net.

So far it has certainly been a more accomplished Liverpool performance than we saw at Anfield two weeks ago. Madrid undoubtedly have a degree of control over the match right now, but there is more energy about the Liverpool side than there has been in recent weeks.

CHANCE! Big chance for Ronaldo to level the record as Modric plays a lovely pass over the top that Toure can't cut out. However, Ronaldo just can't get enough on it to beat Mignolet. Seconds later Lucas is caught in possession by Marcelo, who plays a one-two before drawing a stop from the Liverpool keeper at his front post.

A period of pressure for Liverpool as they break in behind Madrid while Marcelo is caught upfield. However, they seem reluctant to put it in the box or even have a shot, which sees the chance go begging.

UPDATE: There has been a second goal in the match between Basel and Ludogorets, with the home side doubling their advantage through Gonzalez. Dortmund, meanwhile, have moved a step closer to qualification by taking the lead against Galatasaray.

SHOT! Marcelo again comes forward down the left and fires a ball into the box that is just behind Ronaldo, who can only poke it back to Isco. The midfielder lines up an effort from just outside the area, but his shot goes high over the crossbar.

The referee brings an end to the first half and, although they go into the break behind, it has been an encouraging one from Liverpool. They have held their own against the might of Real Madrid, and find themselves still very much in the game, which is something they could not say at this stage a fortnight ago. Rodgers took a big risk of humiliation by naming a weakened side against the reigning European champions, but so far it has paid off.

The solitary goal of the game so far came from Benzema, who made it three in two games against Liverpool. It was a good one as well as Marcelo whipped a vicious ball into the six-yard box that the French striker converted from close range. It was a nice move from the hosts in the build-up, and they showed that they can strike at any point as there didn't appear to be much danger for Liverpool just seconds before the goal.

Despite Liverpool's improved performance, all of the chances have fallen to Madrid. Mignolet has been much the busier goalkeeper so far, denying both James and Ronaldo in the opening 10 minutes with very good saves. Ronaldo has also had a couple of flashes of his unbelievable ability, but the Reds have kept him relatively quiet tonight.

It has been an unusually sturdy defensive performance from the visitors so far, who have stood up well to some fluid Madrid attacks. They have given the ball away cheaply on a few occasions, which they will need to cut out in the second half if they are to avoid being punished, but when Madrid have had the ball, Liverpool's defence has been good. Toure in particular is looking more like the defender who was such a key player for Arsenal all those years ago, putting in a number of good blocks and even going for a run forward that saw him beat Ronaldo and James.

At the other end, Liverpool have looked more of a threat going forward than they did a fortnight ago, but they still haven't tested Casillas. They need to be a little more adventurous in the final third, as often they have turned down the opportunity to shoot. It is almost as if they are unwilling to miss and gift the ball back to Madrid when a number of players are out of position, which is understandable. However, if they are to get anything out of the game then they need to take those sorts of risks.

The main difference for Liverpool so far this evening has been the increased energy in the team, and a lot of that can be accredited to Borini. The striker has been constantly on the move, which is helping those behind him to join in the pressing high up the field. That is one of the reason why Liverpool were so successful last season, but it simply hasn't been the case with Balotelli up front.

Despite Liverpool's improvement, though, it would still be a major shock if Liverpool came away from this match with anything. Madrid have looked threatening almost every time they have come forward, and there is surely another goal in this side. As long as it remains 1-0, however, Liverpool stand a chance.

KICKOFF: Real Madrid get us back underway in the second half, to the background of a chorus of 'You'll Never Walk Alone' from the away fans. They will have been buoyed by that first half.

YELLOW CARD! The first card of the night goes the way of Liverpool and Skrtel, who dives into a challenge on Ronaldo, bringing him down right on the edge of the box. Chance for Ronaldo, here.

It is a disappointing one from Ronaldo, who doesn't catch his effort, allowing Lucas to make the block before it even reaches Mignolet. Disappointing from the in-form striker.

CHANCE! Another chance for Ronaldo, and this time he does work the keeper. Benzema shifted the ball to him on the edge of the box but, not for the first time tonight, he opted for a side-foot rather than putting his laces through the ball. It was more or less straight at Mignolet, who blocked it before diving on the rebound before Ronaldo could reach it.

Liverpool will want to keep it at 1-0 in the opening stages of this second half now, and then Rodgers has the benefit of a number of first-team players on his bench. They are lacking in the final third right at the moment, and the likes of Sterling could help them create more of a threat.

On the other hand, it is worth remembering that Madrid have a certain Welshman by the name of Gareth Bale on their bench. He has just gone to warm up down the sidelines, and could be in line for a substitute appearance at some point. It would be a surprise if he didn't feature at all tonight.

YELLOW CARD! Superb run from Markovic as he carries the ball from the edge of his own box and all the way into the Madrid half. It only comes to an end when James hacks him down from behind, and the Colombian becomes the second name in the book as a result.

Liverpool are passing the ball about confidently, even in dangerous situations, which is good to see in one respect but worrying in another considering they have given the ball away a few times in dangerous positions tonight.

SAVE! Casillas is finally called into action as Moreno gets forward and goes for goal with a low strike, but it is a relatively simple one for the experienced keeper.

CLOSE! This is more like it from Liverpool, who are beginning to carry more of a threat in the final third. Moreno slipped the ball inside to Lallana, who rolled his man into the box before firing an early low strike a yard or so past the post.

YELLOW CARD! Ramos goes into the book, and he can feel harshly done by as it was a brilliant challenge. He got the ball when challenging Lallana, but the referee saw the force used as excessive. Liverpool, meanwhile, have a free kick in a promising position...

It is Borini who goes for it, striking is effort straight into the wall, which doesn't do its job. It hits Modric on the back on the way through and skims a few yards wide of the post.

REAL MADRID SUB: The first change of the day comes from the hosts, and it is not a good sight for Liverpool as Gareth Bale comes on in place of James.

UPDATE: Arsenal have surely wrapped up the points against Anderlecht with a third goal, this time through Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. Anderlecht have got one back to make it 3-1, but the North London outfit should be home and dry at the Emirates now. Dortmund, meanwhile, have doubled their lead against Galatasaray courtesy of a Sokratis Papastathopoulos goal, while Basel are 3-0 up against Ludogorets. There is a shock in store in Turin too, where Olympiacos have come from behind and now lead Juventus 2-1.

SHOT! Moreno has looked like one of Liverpool's brightest players tonight, and he again looks to make the defence with a skimmer drive narrowly past the post. Casillas had it covered all the way, however.

Superb defending from Toure! You'd back Madrid to finish this one off as Ronaldo has only Skrtel to beat before being through on goal. He works a one-two with Benzema and looks to have created space to shoot, but Toure closes him down to deflect the effort behind for a corner. That is not the first time Toure has made a vital block tonight.

CHANCE! The same two that combined for the Madrid goal almost do it again as Marcelo fizzes another brilliant ball across the face of goal. Benzema is beyond the far post this time, however, and cannot steer it in.

LIVERPOOL SUBS: Here come the cavalry! Raheem Sterling and Steven Gerrard are introduced for the final 20 minutes or so, replacing Markovic and Lucas.

OFF THE BAR! Madrid are inches away from putting this game to bed here! Marcelo plays a one-two with Ronaldo before racing down the left and cutting a low pass into Bale. The sub hits it first time with a clipped effort, but it rattles off the crossbar.

SAVE! Moments later, Madrid win a free kick right on the edge of the box, but it is a rather disappointing one again from Ronaldo as his tame strike is punched away by Mignolet, who could have actually caught it.

UPDATE: What a turnaround from Juventus, who have scored two goals in quick succession to now lead Olympiacos 3-2. Basel are now 4-0 ahead against Ludogorets in the other match in Group B tonight, while Anderlecht have pulled another goal back to make it 3-2 against Arsenal. Nervy times for the Gunners!

SHOT! Madrid win a corner after more good work from Marcelo, and Isco pulls it back for Kroos around 20 yards from goal. He gets plenty behind his sweetly-struck effort, but it is too high to trouble Mignolet.

LIVERPOOL SUB: The visitors make their third and final change as Philippe Coutinho replaces Can. Moments later, Borini has the ball in the back of the net, but he is penalised for a foul on Ramos.

YELLOW CARD! Marcelo looks to leave his mark on Sterling with a scything challenge from behind, and he can have no complaints at receiving a yellow card.

Marcelo again looks to make something happen as he picks a loose ball up around 30 yards from goal following some decent defending from Liverpool. However, the Brazilian full-back, who has been a menace all night, drags his effort wide of the mark.

Liverpool have 10 minutes left to get something from this match, but still they know that putting too many men forward will give Madrid the chance to break, and no team are more devastating on the counter than Carlo Ancelotti's side. It is a fine balance that Rodgers needs to find in these closing stages.

Risky play from Mignolet as he takes the ball past Ronaldo on the edge of his own box! The keeper got away with it, but Rodgers will not want him to try that too often!

REAL MADRID SUB: The hosts make a change in defence as Nacho replaces Arbeloa for the final seven minutes of normal time.

YELLOW CARD! Moreno is a lucky boy here! Madrid hit Liverpool on the break and Bale races down the right channel. Moreno just about manages to keep up with him before scything him down right on the edge of the box. There was a question over a penalty, but the ref is right to award a free kick and only a yellow.

SAVE! The angle suits the left foot of Bale this time, so he takes over the free kick duties from Ronaldo. Once again Mignolet is there, however, as he pushes the ball away at the near post.

REAL MADRID SUB: The third and final change for the hosts as Benzema makes way to be replaced by Javier Hernandez, who is of course on loan at Madrid from Liverpool's great rivals Manchester United.

Coutinho almost unlocks the Real Madrid door with a clever pass looking for the run of Sterling, but it is just about cut out by the home defence. The visitors are pushing for an equaliser in these closing stages.

There will be three added minutes at the end of this match.

UPDATE: Incredibly, Anderlecht have completed a phenomenal comeback at the Emirates! They were 3-0 down in the second half, but have just levelled things up at 3-3 in North London.

Real Madrid keep up their 100% record in the Champions League this season and qualify for the next round with their 12th consecutive victory, but they didn't find it as easy as they may have thought. Liverpool gave them a good test here at the Bernabeu, but ultimately were not able to match the European champions, who edge to a 1-0 victory courtesy of a Karim Benzema strike in the first half.

Right, that is all we have time for this evening! Thank you very much for joining Sports Mole for what was a fascinating clash between two giants of European football, It was Real Madrid who came out on top, but there were plenty of positives for Liverpool to take from their performance. I will leave you with our match report, and be sure to stick around for reaction, analysis and player ratings, which will be on site shortly. From me, though, it is goodbye for now!