Curtis Jones has offered a brutally honest assessment of Liverpool's Champions League exit, admitting Real Madrid simply operated on "a different level" during their comprehensive round of 16 victory.
The young midfielder spoke candidly after Liverpool's 1-0 defeat at the Bernabéu, which sealed a 6-2 aggregate loss and ended their European campaign for the season. Despite a spirited performance in Spain, Jones acknowledged the gulf in class between the two sides was evident throughout both legs.
Bernabéu Reality Check
"They're a different level, and it showed over the two games," Jones told reporters post-match. "We had our chances, especially early on, but they're a top, top side. We knew we had to be clinical, and we weren't."
Liverpool created several promising opportunities in the first half, with Cody Gakpo and Darwin Núñez both testing Thibaut Courtois. However, Karim Benzema's second-half strike ultimately decided the contest, confirming what many had suspected after Madrid's emphatic 5-2 first-leg victory at Anfield.
No Shame in Defeat
Jones was quick to defend his team's effort and application, particularly in the return leg where Liverpool competed strongly for long periods against the reigning European champions.
"The boys were brilliant," he insisted. "We had a game plan, we stuck to it, and we created chances. On another day, maybe we take those early opportunities and it's a different game. But you have to credit Madrid - they're champions for a reason."
Domestic Focus Now Paramount
With European ambitions now extinguished, Jones emphasised the importance of Liverpool securing a top-four Premier League finish to ensure Champions League football returns to Anfield next season.
The Reds currently sit sixth in the table, though with games in hand on several rivals above them. Their hopes received a significant boost with news that Newcastle striker Alexander Isak, who scored against them in their recent 2-0 defeat at St James' Park, is now a doubt for the return fixture due to injury.
"We have to use this disappointment as motivation," Jones added. "The Premier League is everything now. We need to be back in this competition next season, and that means winning pretty much every game we have left."
