Modric and Benzema applauded off the pitch by Liverpool fans despite mauling

Liverpool fans have been praised for their classy touch after applauding Luka Modric and Karim Benzema during Real Madrid's stunning 5-2 victory at Anfield.

The two Ballon d'Or winners were at their brilliant best as the visitors recovered from 2-0 down in the 14th minute to take command of the last-16 tie.

The pair were replaced by manager Carlo Ancelotti in the 87th minute and the Liverpool faithful gave them a classy send-off as they left the pitch to be replaced by Toni Kroos and Marco Ascensio.

Real Madrid keeper Thibaut Courtois said: 'It's my first time playing Champions League football at Anfield when fans are in the stadium and the fact that there was applause from Liverpool supporters for Luka and Karim just proves that people here know how to appreciate guys who are great players.'

Having conceded two goals inside 14 minutes at Anfield on Tuesday, Liverpool fans sensed redemption for their defeat to Real in last season's Champions League final, with the visitors struggling to cope in a raucous atmosphere.

They clicked into gear again at Anfield having fallen 2-0 behind and two goals from Vinicius Jr. had them level by the break.

There was only going to be one winner in the second half, as Real gave a lesson in how to kill a match and potentially the tie.

Liverpool were never allowed to cause any problems and get the crowd behind them, while Real put three of their four chances away in devastating fashion to stun their opponents, becoming the first team in Champions League history to come from two goals down and win by a three-goal margin

Courtois added: 'We're never beaten, we always react. Those two quick goals did help us to do that.

'We were calm, mentally, and when we are on the rise we play well.