Liverpool’s task to reach the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League now looks extremely difficult after the Reds fell to a 3-1 defeat in Spain on Tuesday evening.

A Vinicius Junior brace alongside a Marco Asensio strike was enough for Zinedine Zidane’s troops to claim victory on a chastening evening for the reigning Premier League champions despite Mo Salah restoring hope with his second-half goal.

The familiar defensive issues reappeared for Jurgen Klopp’s men with the usually-reliable Andrew Robertson enduring an awful evening at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano.

According to WhoScored, the £63m-rated defender did not contribute a single tackle, interception or block throughout the 90 minutes - his only defensive contributions being a pair of clearances.

It was a performance that allowed Los Blancos’ wingers Vinicius Junior and Asensio to run riot in Spain. His evening was encapsulated perfectly in Real’s third goal as he was easily rolled by Karim Benzema, who picked out Luka Modric, with the Croatian then supplying Vinicius.

So, whilst Trent Alexander-Arnold also struggled in Madrid (his header leading to Asensio's goal), it could be argued that Robertson was equally as culpable.

[snack-amp-story url="https://www.footballfancast.com/web- stories/latest-liverpool-news%2c-transfer-rumours-and-more" title="Latest Liverpool news, transfer rumours and more..."]

The left-back endured an extremely tricky night from a defensive standpoint, but the Scot, who notched 12 assists last season, was also blunted going forwards.

He did not have a single shot in the match, nor produce a single key pass or dribble. Even more damning, the former Hull City man did not complete a single cross out of the five he attempted throughout the game. Considering that is usually his strongest asset, that poor success rate is certainly a surprise.

Even Robertson’s passes let him down hugely, completing 60 at a rate of 85%. Whilst that was by no means the worst in the Liverpool team, it was still a hugely disappointing figure.

Jurgen Klopp will certainly be hoping for better from Robertson going forwards and of course in the second-leg.

AND in more news, take a look at which current Reds' midfielder could see his Anfield career ended by a summer arrival...