Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Getty Images

That early pressure has taken its toll on Liverpool, they can't get close any more and if you give these Real Madrid players time and space they will hurt you. Toni Kroos has time to measure a cross from a half-cleared corner, he floats it onto the head of Karim Benzema, and he beats Simon Mignolet to the ball before heading in from a tight angle.

He had plenty to do, but he did it superbly. Floated home from beyond the far post.

Liverpool in real trouble now...

That was also Cristiano Ronaldo's 20th goal of the season. For years, 20 was the benchmark for a season for a forward. The most Premier League goals Michael Owen ever got in a season was 18.

Ronaldo has got 20 and it's not even Halloween yet! Almost 21 as he rolls away from Steven Gerrard and fires just wide from 20 yards. The man is something else.

Peter Collins:, external Two to go for Ronaldo. Anybody want to bet against him getting that record tonight?

Jack McNeilly:, external Brilliant finish from Ronaldo. Liverpool need to sort out their defence.

I Dude:, external Real Madrid beginning to correct the historical aberration that was their record against Liverpool.

Arsenal are continuing to push for a goal of their own in Brussels but lack a bit of cutting edge. We can't all be Cristiano Ronaldo you know...

I'm not sure Liverpool's's defenders could really have done anything more to stop that goal. They closed down the pass, got tight to the runner - and Real Madrid still scored. Brilliantly done.

Image source, Getty Images

That's now 55 Champions League goals in 55 Champions League games for Ronaldo at Real Madrid.

BBC Sport chief football writer Phil McNulty at Anfield

"Liverpool went for the fast start and the hope of landing some early blows. Real Madrid rolled with those early punches and had looked ominous for a few minutes before that magnificent Cristiano Ronaldo goal."

Image source, AP

Image source, Getty Images

What a goal! Absolutely brilliant! Cristiano Ronaldo has his 70th Champions League goal and it's just wonderful. He starts the move in midfield before laying off to James Rodriguez. Rodriguez is central, 30 yards from goal and has three red shirts in his face. No way out? You bet.

He stops the ball and then lifts it over the top with his toe, a wonderful chipped pass.

It is into the run of Ronaldo, who has Martin Skrtel right on him. It doesn't matter, as Ronaldo takes it on the bounce and thumps home from 15 yards. Unstoppable.

Image source, Reuters

It's shaping up to be a decent night for Borussia Dortmund striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang with the Gabon international, 25, getting his second goal already to give Jurgen Klopp's side a 2-0 lead in Galatasaray as the Germans look to stay in control of group D.

Image source, AP

Like Anderlecht, Liverpool started at 100mph but they do seem to be flagging a bit already. Real Madrid are definitely having more time and space in midfield - but Simon Mignolet hasn't had much to do yet.

Phil Neville
BBC Radio 5 live in Anderlecht

"Arsenal won't change their style. They must be patient. It might be 60 or 70 minutes when you get your joy in the game, but Anderlecht are using so much energy.

"They are sprinting back and they are sprinting forward. There will come a time in the game when they can't do that and that's when Arsenal will get their chance."

You don't get many tidier midfield pairings than Toni Kroos and Luka Modric. Kroos has completed every one of his passes so far as Real continue to see more of the ball. But Liverpool should be very happy with this start. Their tempo, pressing and energy on the break has worried Real.

More fine wing play from Alexis Sanchez, who has some tremendous pace to catch up with a frankly rubbish ball out to him. He gets there, and puts in a good cross but Danny Welbeck's header is way off target. End-to-end in Brussels, but a bit scrappy too.

James Rodriguez has had some first aid, a massive plaster on a cut in his eyebrow. Nasty one that - reminds me of the time my brother persuaded my mum to help him practice his headers and nutted her right in the face.

She's got a scar in her eyebrow to this day.

Another golden generation of Belgians coming through...?

Eamonn McGurk:, external Never mind the glamour tie at Anfield, Arsenal v Anderlecht is alphabetically superior!

Luke Gwalchmai:, external What's Wenger's problem with Joel Campbell? He's a quality player who could contribute greatly but is being ignored, Podolski too.

Jamie Plummer:, external Keep an eye on Youri Tielemens tonight. 17-year-old CM Belgian. Massive future.

Liverpool have started well. Piling on the pressure now as James Rodriguez leaves the field for some treatment on a facial injury.

More flapping from the great man Iker Casillas though as he comes for a corner and is all over the shop - just about palms it clear. That was scruffy stuff from Casillas.

Image source, Getty Images

Arsenal win a free-kick in a dangerous area but Santi Cazorla can't find his FA Cup final touch and blasts it into the wall. Pretty even stuff so far in Brussels.

Real Madrid stand off Steven Gerrard 35 yards from goal and the Liverpool skipper sees the headlines. He goes for it, real dip on the strike too but Iker Casillas is able to shove it clear. Good hit - good game so far.